2022v22n10 Social Entertainment by Gadgets Magazine

Contents

08 Infinix NOTE 12 09 Synology RackStation RS822+/RS822RP+ 10 moto g50 5G 11 moto g 5G plus 12 MSI CreatorPro Series 13 MSI Raider GE HX Series 14 MSI Titan GT Series 15 Nokia C2 2nd Edition 16 POCO F4 17 POCO X4 GT 18 Xiaomi Redmi 10C 19 Xiaomi Smart Band 7 20 Philips Multigroom Series 5000 9-in-1 Face and Hair 21 Philips Hair Clipper Series 3000 Philips Shaver Series 1000 22 Sharp Air Purifiers

36 How The Net Took Over TV 40 Press Play: The Rise of Podcasts 44 TikTok: The Next Big Thing Since Instagram

COVERSTORY

GADGETS LAB 24 Lenovo Yoga 9i 28 MSI Sumit E14 Flip EVO 32 LG UltraGear (27GP850)

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

JULY 2022

VOLUME XXII • Issue X

PARADE

GAMING Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

48 MOBILITY

ENTERTAINMENT Aksyonovela

VOLUME XXII • Issue X

JULY 2022

48 All-new Subaru WRX 54 Turbo-Charged 2022 Mazda CX-5 60 Zamboanga Chooses the Isuzu Traviz 62 Hyundai Modern PUVs Go To Bicol 64 Safe Commuting 66 Petron Philippine Overland Expedition 68 World Bicycle Day 70 Lucena City is Home to 64th Mitsubishi Motors Outlet 71 Hino Modern Love Bus

MUSIC CORNER

76 How I DIY-ed My Music 78 Ben&Ben Headline Apple Music Campaign

APPS

80 Streaming Made Easy with StreamYard 82 Free Viber Calls for Filipinos

Goodbye Windows, Hello Mac!

6 Reasons Why IT is the Perfect Career Path for Gen Z

EVERYDAY APPLE

EMPLOYMENT

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Contents

ENTERPRISE

CYBER SECURITY

JULY 2022

VOLUME XXII • Issue X

88 Business Surveillance Made Easy 92 Google MSME Caravan

New Assessment Tool Helps SMBs Gauge Cybersecurity Preparedness

Alibaba Cloud Fintech ONE Program

98 Dipolog City WWF One

FINTECH

GREEN Planet City Challenge National Winner 100 Miming & Friends

102

104

HOME

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Fast Hub

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

STEPN: Earn While You Move

106

112

NEWSBYTES

RELIC

The latest in the world of tech

Drive-in Theater

PARADE

Infinix NOTE 12 Smartphone

128GB - PHP8,999

THE ALL-NEW Infinix NOTE 12 offers well-rounded and innovative performance features for multi-taskers and heavy users so they can bring their gaming and passions to the next level.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The NOTE 12 is one of the thinnest smartphones at 7.8 mm that comes equipped with a 33W Fast Charge feature, and a huge 5000mAh making this lightweight smartphone more portable than ever while staying powered all day long. Experience the smoothest gameplay experience with the MediaTek

July 2022

256GB - PHP9,999

Helio G96 Ultra Gaming Processor providing more speed and power to the NOTE 12. The octa-core processor incorporates two powerful Cortex-A76 processor cores clocked up to 2.05GHz and Mali-G57 GPU that work in tandem to harness nextlevel intelligence for groundbreaking performance. Casual and heavy gamers alike will find that no game is too heavy for the NOTE 12. Infinix expands the NOTE 12’s 8GB memory to 13GB by integrating RAM and ROM to provide users with up to 5GB extended RAM. This improves

the smartphone’s processing speed and accelerates performance when users are using their smartphone to multitask by delivering extra power when it’s needed. The NOTE 12 is equipped with a 50MP Ultra Night Camera with a depth and AI lens so you can take the clearest photos even at low-light settings. It also comes with a 16MP selfie camera for the perfect selfie. It is available in Force Black, Sapphire Blue, and Snowfall in 128GB and 256GB variants.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Synology RackStation RS822+/RS822RP+ Network Attached Storage

SYNOLOGY ANNOUNCED the addition of RackStation RS822+ and RS822RP+ to the versatile and costeffective Plus series systems, an ideal data management and backup solution in smaller deployments, edge storage usage, or at branch offices.

Leverage the C2 Storage service to enable even higher productivity and lower maintenance needs. Keep multiple sites in sync using less bandwidth with Hybrid Share, as files only need to be uploaded once to C2 servers. Frequently accessed data is cached locally on the RS822(RP)+ and other connected Synology systems,

The RS822(RP)+ also functions as a fully-fledged video management system that provides full local data ownership. Synology’s Surveillance Station is a powerful VMS designed for businesses that already protect over 500,000 sites. Flexible ONVIF support and over 8,300 validated IP cameras make deployment simple and easily suited to each location’s requirements. Keep your data and IT infrastructure backed up and protected with the RS822(RP)+. Support for backup of Windows PC/Servers, VMware and

Hyper-V VMs, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace SaaS, and more ensures comprehensive coverage for most IT environments under one interface. Local snapshots enable the protection of files and LUNs against accidents and threats like ransomware while minimizing storage use and RTOs. RS822(RP)+ also includes comprehensive system and file backup capabilities for secure backup onto other Synology systems or a cloud storage service. The RS822(RP)+ is backed by Synology’s three-year hardware warranty, with an optional two-year extended warranty available in select regions.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The RS822(RP)+ includes a suite of reliable file management, sharing, and synchronization solutions, making it a flexible choice for any business. In addition to fast, local access to files, Synology Drive enables easy crossplatform access to file management and sharing tools. Connect and sync data between devices, keeping remote teams and offices up-to-date automatically.

providing immediate and fast access while streaming other files as needed, reducing the storage footprint required. Additionally, unexpected storage demands can be met with flexible ondemand storage.

PARADE

July 2022

PARADE gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

moto g50 5G Smartphone

PHP10,495

THIS NEXT-GENERATION phone is not only fast but also features specs ideal for on-the-go users and gamers. The moto g50 5G features a 6.5” HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate for seamless play. With its high-definition graphics and smooth response, leveling up your gameplay and entertainment experience are sure to come without a hitch. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 2.2 GHz octa-core processor, the moto g50 5G is four times faster than the average smartphone. It also comes with a 48MP camera with Quad Pixel technology that ensures crystal clear and high-definition shots day or night. With 5G speeds, the sky’s the limit with the moto g50 5G.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

moto g 5G plus Smartphone

PHP14,995

MAKING unbelievably fast 5G more accessible, the moto g 5G plus allows users to be in the moment, at every moment.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Experience only the best in entertainment (lag-free!) with its ultra-wide 6.7” CinemaVision Full HD+ display and two-day strong battery perfect for binge-watching or gaming with friends. The moto g 5G plus also features an ultra-wide 16 MP Quad Pixel selfie camera system on top of its 48MP sensor for brighter, breathtaking photos. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 processor comes 5G-optimized for a fast and smooth experience inside and out, allowing you to get more bandwidth with lower latency and lag time so you’ll never miss a thing.

PARADE

July 2022

PARADE gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MSI CreatorPro Series Laptop

MSI REBRANDED its Workstation series to the new CreatorPro series and presented CreatorPro X17 with the 12th gen i9 HX CPU and NVIDIA RTX A5500 Laptop GPU. The powerful combination is made for the complex design pro or large datasets users to handle the toughest professional applications. To be the best choice for creators, the CreatorPro series is certified by over 90% of ISVs. Also, to be a reliable laptop, it features MSI True Pixel technology, which inspects and calibrates every single piece of panel to ensure the standard. Moreover, for the first time in the industry, MSI announces that users can see the panel calibration results themselves with a digital certificate verified by Calman.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Laptop

MSI Raider GE HX Series A GAMING MONSTER, the Raider GE HX series has been positioned as the icon of supreme performance and eye-catching design. This time, MSI presents a vibrant and luxurious vibe on Raider GE with the alluring Titanium Dark Gray and laser engraving MSI logo on the top cover.

It comes with a large 99.9Whr battery capacity, Killer Wi-Fi 6E, and MSI AI Engine. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

On the performance side, the Raider GE is equipped with the latest HX series, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU, and OverBoost technology, with optimum 250W performance in full power.

The MSI Raider GE67HX is the first laptop in the world that brings a revolutionary high refresh rate OLED display that is 240Hz with less than 0.2ms response time. It also supports 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Meanwhile, it is certified with DisplayHDR 600 True Black, which levels up the premium visual experience for gamers.

PARADE

July 2022

PARADE gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Laptop

MSI Titan GT Series THE MOST sought-after MSI Titan GT series has returned, winning the 2022 COMPUTEX Best Choice Golden Award for its splendid performance. It also won the Red Dot Design Award 2022 for its sportscar-inspired design, featuring the upper lattice air exchanger to increase the cooling efficiency and the fascinating projective Mystic Light bar. When it comes to performance, Titan GT77 is at the top of the list. With

July 2022

the latest 12th gen i9 HX CPU, which boasts 16 cores in total, the Titan GT77 provides desktop-level performance. Together with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics and MSI exclusive OverBoost technology, the Titan GT77 unlocks the extreme full power of both GPU and CPU without any sacrifice. It can simultaneously deliver power from both CPU and GPU to a mind-blowing total of 250 watts under full load

To control such ultimate design, the Titan GT77 offers a new cooling solution with 4 fans and 7 heat pipes. It is also equipped with the brand new world-leading manufacturer Cherry MX switches with SteelSeries mechanical keyboard, all packed within a 23mm chassis.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Nokia C2 2nd Edition Smartphone

PHP4,790

A SUPER-TOUGH smartphone, thanks to a tough inner metal chassis, the Nokia C2 2nd Edition is designed to withstand the rough-and-tumble of everyday life. It’s also been rigorously tested to ensure it can go the distance. Users will be continually protected thanks to guaranteed two years of regular security updates, giving them the freedom to browse, shop, and bank online with peace of mind.

visibility thanks to the brightness boost feature in the handy 5.7” display — big enough for entertainment yet convenient to hold comfortably in one hand and slip into one’s pocket. A swipe up on the home screen opens the main menu and makes for easy switching between apps, making the user’s experience even more seamless.

The Nokia C2 2nd Edition has optimal storage for the user to customize the device and make it their own. This can be filled with all their favorite content, be that a picture of family and friends or apps and games to keep younger family members occupied. Thanks to the Android 11 (Go edition) operating system, user data goes further, for a more enjoyable experience.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The Face Unlock feature adds another personalized layer of security, so users can control who has permission to unlock their smartphone. With front and rear flash, the Nokia C2 2nd Edition ensures fans will never miss out on a photo opportunity, even in low-light settings. The beautification mode makes sure selfies with loved ones are brightened. Capture shots of scenic views and all the family with the panorama camera feature. Plus, with Gallery Go from Google fans can edit and manage photos without needing to be connected to the internet, so all treasured memories are easily accessible at all times. Relive them in all their glory with increased

PARADE

July 2022

PARADE gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

POCO F4 Smartphone

PHP20,990 - 6GB+128GB

POCO F4 offers all the strengths of a flagship smartphone with extremely efficient power consumption. POCO F4 is equipped with the Snapdragon 870 flagship chipset and features a 7nm processor with 5G support. The device has POCO’s highest frequency prime core running at 3.2GHz. Its processing power offers shortened app loading times, supporting high-graphic games and smooth scrolling experience on web pages and apps. POCO F4 is the thinnest model in the POCO lineup to date. The device boasts a 6.67” E4 AMOLED screen and an ultra-tiny 2.76mm DotDisplay, one of the tiniest in the industry. The flagshiplevel display features 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate for lower response latency. With screen peak brightness of 1,300 nits, POCO F4 ensures every moment is displayed at its ideal values for detail and contrast. Dual speakers, verified with Dolby Atmos, add to the immersive experience by delivering dynamic and crystal-clear July 2022

PHP22,990 - 8GB+256GB

sound. Its immersive user experience and high-performance functionality make it the most cost-effective device in terms of offering across-the-board strength in the flagship segment. POCO F4’s triple rear camera setup features optical image stabilization (OIS) on the device’s 64MP main camera. This delivers clear and sharp photos even in low light, for near-perfect digital replicas of the moments captured. Accompanying the 64MP main camera is an 8MP ultra-wide camera and 2MP macro camera. Together, this triple array captures even the finest details. POCO F4’s 4K-equipped camera setup comes with tons of fun and convenient features, including Panoramic Selfie Mode, Night Mode, AI Skyscaping 4.0 and AI Erase 2.0. POCO F4 comes with a 4,500mAh (typ) battery and 67W turbo charging, taking only 38 minutes to charge up to 100%. It is offered in Night Black, Moonlight Silver, Nebula Green.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

POCO X4 GT Smartphone

PHP18,990 - 8GB+128GB

PHP19,990 - 8GB+256GB

The POCO X4 GT’s innovative 20.5:9 LCD display ratio makes the device comfortable to grip and easy to hold. Aiming to offer the best LCD on the market, it comes with POCO’s first LCD True Display. The display color temperature adjustment is contingent upon external environmental light conditions, allowing comfortable viewing. To provide a comfortable viewing experience, POCO X4 GT enables hardware-level harmful blue light reduction by up to 30%.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

THE POCO X4 GT is a high-performance gaming and entertainment speedster. It carries the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset and advanced TSMC 5nm processor, giving users fast performance while maintaining low power consumption and barely overheating. POCO X4 GT offers flagship-level LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 ROM, making this device one of POCO’s fastest for RAM and storage, and extremely adept in supporting high-frame-rate gaming. The LiquidCool Technology 2.0 cooling system can keep the SoC cool and maintain smooth performance, allowing users to push the device to the limit.

POCO X4 GT charges its 5,080mAh (typ) high-density battery quickly and safely with 67W turbo charging, powering up to a 100% charge in just 46 minutes. In a 6-min wash-up, it can be charged up to 25%, and after a 30-min workout it will juice you up to 85%. Aided by Middle Middle Tab (MMT) technology, it enables you to game for more than 90 minutes with just 10 minutes of charging.

The Poco X4 GT comes in silver, black, and blue.

July 2022

PARADE

Sporting a versatile triple rear camera setup and Dolby Atmos® stereo speakers, POCO X4 GT doubles as a 4K camera with convenient and cool features that help users reach their creative potential. Featuring a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera, photos capture every detail, near or far. And for high-quality selfies, the 16MP front camera has users well-covered. Coming with 19 stellar vlog templates pre-installed, as well as the Drafts function, users will be able to film and edit quality content from the get go.

PARADE

Xiaomi Redmi 10C Smartphone PHP6,299 - 4GB+64GB

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

PHP7,299 - 4GB+128GB

THE XIAOMI Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 processor is built to flagshiplevel, offering a max cork speed of up to 2.4G-7. This ensures smooth and swift performance with every task, like scrolling through social media, taking photos, and streaming media, while conserving power. Redmi IUC also allows for faster installation and loading on all apps.

taking portraits, the camera applies a natural blur effect in the background to emphasize the subject. It also comes with Night Mode to illuminate details under low lighting.

Equipped with a 50MP main camera, the Redmi 10C captures highresolution photos and videos. When

This smartphone has a large 6.71” Dot Drop display that offers an immersive viewing experience for all types of

July 2022

entertainment – be it watching shows and movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, or playing mobile games. It also supports Widevine L1 HD streaming so users can watch in full detail. For those looking for a capable smartphone that suits their hybrid working setup and personal time, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C packs enough power to efficiently accomplish any activity. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Fitness Tracker

PHP2,399

DESIGNED FOR HEALTH ENTHUSIASTS, Xiaomi Smart Band 7 features a 1.62” full AMOLED high-resolution display, and a wider screen design with 24% increased visibility compared to the previous generation. This provides more viewing space for information and offers improved clarity and efficiency for users. With 110+ sports modes, users are empowered in setting personalized fitness goals that fit their lifestyle, for more personalized health and wellness. With three additional modes — Training Load, Recovery Duration, and Training Effect — users can evaluate and adjust their workout schedule and intensity for maximized performance.

The device features an all-new VO₂ Max professional workout analysis, which measures the maximum amount of oxygen users can utilize during exercise. Xiaomi Smart Band 7 also provides sleep tracking, as well as SpO₂ and heart-rate monitoring. Xiaomi Smart Band 7 comes with 100+ watch faces, as well as multiple colorful strap options to match. The battery is designed to last up to 14 days on standby. Finally, with 5ATM water resistance, it’s ready to go rain or shine.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

PARADE

July 2022

PARADE

PHILIPS MULTIGROOM SERIES 5000 9-IN-1 FACE AND HAIR gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Shaver

THE PHILIPS Multigroom Series 5000 9-in-1 Face and Hair is a versatile grooming solution that handles all kinds of situations. This trimmer offers advanced styling and precision with 9 quality tools for styling the face and hair. DualCut blades deliver maximum precision, while the non-slip rubber grip improves comfort and control.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

A CHANGE of hairstyle is one of the quickest ways to switch up a look. For gents willing to take things into their own hands, the Philips Hair Clipper Series 3000 is the way to go. It features DualCut self-sharpening blades designed to trim hair twice as fast, while Trimn-Flow technology incorporates a comb to prevent clogging — helping guys finish their styling in one session.

PHILIPS SHAVER SERIES 1000 IDEAL FOR THOSE who don’t spend too much time getting ready, a simple shaver makes a great accessory. The Philips Shaver Series 1000 gives an effortlessly smooth shave with advanced skin protection. High-quality, self-sharpening blades and flex heads move in three directions to ensure an enjoyable shaving experience. With a charge time of 5 minutes for one full shave, you will be looking great in no time.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

PHILIPS HAIR CLIPPER SERIES 3000

PARADE

July 2022

PARADE

Sharp Plasmacluster Ion Air Purifiers Air Purifier

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

ALL SHARP air purifiers now come equipped with its patented Plasmacluster Ion (PCI) technology that generates and releases large volumes of positive and negative ions into the air, with the capability to deactivate 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. It also eliminates unpleasant odors, moisturizes the skin, and reduces static electricity. With this revolutionary technology, Sharp ensures health and comfort at home, as well as on-the-go protection while commuting, spending time at school or at the office, meeting friends, and even for outdoor activities.

Sharp FU-NC01-W THIS TOWER-TYPE air purifier from Sharp adds class to your interior while ensuring clean and safe air through its 360-degree air suction. It has deodorization, pre-filter, dust filter, and humidifying features for overall protection. It is recommended for areas up to 10sqm and generates a high concentration of plasmacluster ions to effectively inhibit air-borne viruses, bacteria, allergens, as well as mold growth. Its 2-in-1 dust collecting and deodorizing filter lasts up to one year of use.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Sharp IG-NM1 FOR ON-THE-GO protection, the IG-NM1 Sharp plasmacluster ion generator wearable device sanitizes your immediate surroundings by releasing 25,000 ions per cubic centimeter. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and weighs only 100g for portability. A classic neck strap transforms this into a wearable protective device. Alternatively, you can also plug this into a USB port on your laptop/desktop PC to ensure that you are breathing clean and healthy air. Two USB ports are built into the device, in case you want to charge some gadgets.

Sharp IG-NX2E gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAKE YOUR CAR a safe space with the IG-NX2E-W/B/A, a plasmacluster ion generator designed for car use. It emits a high-density 90,000 ions per cubic centimeter, ensuring that your car is fresh and free from harmful organisms like viruses and bacteria. It has a 2-port USB car adapter for added convenience, and comes with a USB cable and unit cleaning brush. Three colors — pearl white, mint blue, and titanium black — are available to match your car interior.

PARADE

July 2022

REVIEWED BY FRANCESKA AGUILA

LENOVO YOGA 9I

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

2-IN-1 LAPTOP

Style, comfort, good performance, and convenience are what we look for when buying a laptop for work and entertainment purposes, especially when you want to end a hectic work week by binge-watching a show or a movie. As consumers, we always demand the best from manufacturers, and Lenovo definitely meets our expectations, delivering unparalleled productivity and entertainment on the Intel Evo platform. July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

DESIGN Taking the demo unit out of its box revealed a stunningly slim and lightweight 14-inch Lenovo Yoga 9i. It has a simple design with curved edges rounded with detailing for good grip whether you use it in any mode – laptop or tablet – and this is where aesthetic and comfort meet. The cover is made from aluminum with a matte finish that is premium to the touch. Engraved on it is the “Yoga” logo. Opening the laptop reveals a stunning 14-inch OLED touchscreen display. The Yoga 9i is convertible to tabletmode, and its 360-degree hinge doubles up as a soundbar designed to face you whether you’re using it as a laptop or as a tablet. The 1080p FHD IR Hybrid Webcam with privacy shutter is placed on the top. On the left is a USB Type-A connector and two USB Type-C connectors, while on the right are one USB Type-C connector and an audio combo jack. Also located on the right part of the keyboard is the Smart Power button. Inside the box you will find an information packet, a USB Type-C charger, and a functional stylus pen.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Lenovo Yoga 9i

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

HARDWARE The Lenovo Yoga 9i delivers top-tier performance running on a Windows 11 operating system with a 12th Generation Intel Core and an Intel Iris X GPU with a 90Hz refresh rate. For memory, our test unit has 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. This laptop shows off a gorgeous Lenovo PureSight 16:10 OLED display supporting VESA DisplayHDR5000 True Black and Dolby Vision. Audio is powered by four Bowers & Wilkins speakers with Dolby Atmos on a 360-degree rotating soundbar. The Yoga 9i has a 75Wh battery and a 65W charger. Usually, OLED screens take up a chunk of battery life but with the Lenovo Yoga 9i, it still runs up to 9 hours after a full charge, and only charges for 2 hours.

Getting to experience the Lenovo Yoga 9i was such a treat for me. When I received the demo unit, I was excited to use and maximize its unique functions. Beginning with the laptop, it was user-friendly plus they added 1-click function keys on the keyboard for frequently used features for convenience such as Background Blur that you can use during video calls, Vibe Check that allows you to switch between music, gaming, and movie profiles, Color Mode that lets you change your laptop’s color settings from light to dark mode, and a fingerprint scanner to unlock the device. One of my many favorites on this laptop is the touchpad. Styled as a clickpad and larger in size, it is made of glass so gliding and tracking are smooth and touch gestures accurate. The backlit keyboard looks normal, apart from the special 1-click keys, and was seamless to work with. Another favorite of mine is the 16:10 touchscreen display. Watching a movie is an immersive experience, with vibrant colors even in medium brightness. The Bower and Wilkins soundbar made the experience divine, and thanks to Dolby Atmos and the two woofers, it was as if I was watching in a cinema.

What I love about the Lenovo Yoga 9i is its overall performance. I didn’t experience any issue while using it for work. Media consumption is remarkable. It does the job for gaming too, although I wouldn’t recommend fast-paced games and games with huge patches. While heating is unavoidable, its smart power supports better battery optimization and its 28W thermal design keeps the system cool. Reduced fan noise also ensures quieter use. Lenovo isn’t playing around when it comes to security. You have multiple ways to secure the laptop — you can use facial recognition, fingerprint scan, or the traditional manual input of your password. An FHD webcam with privacy shutters is also built-in.

VALUE For a reasonable price of PHP109,995, everything that you need in a laptop and a tablet is packaged into one convenient device for people on-the-go. The Lenovo Yoga 9i is packed with amazing hardware and software plus good security, and classleading audio performance.

SPECIFICATIONS DISPLAY: 14” 4K OLED (3840 x 2400) IPS, 400 nits, 100% DCI-P3, 60 Hz, 16:10 (WQUXGA), VESA Certified DisplayHDR True Black 500, Dolby Vision®, Touchscreen PROCESSOR: 12th Generation Intel® CoreTM i7-1280P (1.8G / 14C / 24M) GRAPHICS: Intel® Iris® Xe RAM: 16GB STORAGE: 1TB OS: Windows 11 Pro CONNECTIVITY: WiFi 6E3, Bluetooth® 5.2, 2 x USB Type-CTM (ThunderboltTM 4.0 / DisplayPortTM / Power Delivery / USB 3.24 Full-function), 1 x USB Type-A Gen 3.24, 1 x USB Type-CTM (USB 3.24 Full-function), 1 x Audio Combo Jack, 1 x Power Button BATTERY: (75WHr) FHD+ LCD IPS Model

WHAT'S HOT  Bowers and Wilkins rotating soundbar  Neat multiple security options One-click function keys Glass touchpad

WHAT'S NOT  Touchscreen feature needs improvement  Stylus feels sticky on screen during use

BOTTOMLINE The Lenovo Yoga 9i has everything you need for work, gaming, media consumption, and even content-creation.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

USER EXPERIENCE

I didn’t use the tablet feature that much – it was the same as a laptop, just without a keyboard. And just like in laptop mode, the sound quality was perfect. Personally, I think the touchscreen could use some improvements as it was a bit of a struggle to glide and click with the stylus pen. When using your fingers, it requires you to put some pressure on the touchscreen. It could also benefit from an oleophobic coating just like smartphones and other tablets. The stylus pen is a neat addition to the whole package, but unfortunately, there’s no slot to keep it in when not in use.

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL PE

MSI SUMMIT E14 FLIP EVO

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

2-IN-1 LAPTOP

Whenever I hear the brand MSI, I always visualize PC gaming and hardcore gaming laptops with flashy RGBs. But over the couple of years, the brand has expanded its line-up to include the equally powerful creator laptops and the more subtle and subdued business laptops; like the MSI Summit E14 Evo, a small, compact 2-in-1 powered by Intel’s latest 12th Gen processors. July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

DESIGN

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Straight up, I like the looks of the MSI Summit E14 Flip Evo. It has an aluminum chassis that feels and looks good. While the color choice of black may feel old school and boring, I prefer to call it classy. Opening the laptop you’ll be greeted by a 14-inch QHD (2880 x 1800) IPS display. What’s great about this display is that it uses a 16:10 aspect ratio that allows users to see more than the standard 16:9. As a 2-in-1 you can actually rotate the display 180 degrees allowing for more versatile uses. Port selection is alright, not the best. On the left side of the laptop is a full-size HDMI Port (nice), and two USB Type-C ports that are Thunderbolt 4 compatible. These USB-C ports also double as the device’s charging ports. On the right side is a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a 3.5mm audio port, a microSD card reader, and the webcam lock switch.

July 2022

MSI Summit E14 Flip Evo

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

HARDWARE What makes the MSI Summit E14 Flip Evo outstanding is what’s powering it underneath the hood. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7-1280-P with 14 cores (six power cores and eight efficiency cores). Paired to the processor is Intel’s integrated Iris Xe graphics. Also on the laptop are 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB of NVMe SSD storage. PCMark 10 Express rated the laptop with 9823 for Essentials and 6361 for Productivity. 3DMark Time Spy has the laptop at 18010. In other words, the

July 2022

processor is pretty good not only for work but also for some light gaming. I wouldn’t recommend running AAA games, though. On top of the hardware, MSI also fitted the laptop with some quality software. The MSI Pro Center offers in-depth information about the status of your laptop and comes with AI that manages the temp mode and power draw. Then there’s the included Tobii aware software that uses the laptop’s webcam to determine whether someone’s snooping behind you and immediately blurs the screen and alerts you. Lastly, there’s Tile integration where users can find their

laptop (even if it’s turned off) using Tile’s location fetching technology. Then there’s the added MSI Pen support, and MSI’s stylus which I’ll detail more later.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

worth considering, with its extra features and MSI Pen. The MSI Summit E14 has everything you might want and need from a business-centric laptop.

USER EXPERIENCE The MSI Summit E14 Flip Evo is a pretty good laptop. It offers great performance with the 12th Gen Core i7 processor with the added bells and whistles of some great software.

SPECIFICATIONS

For those who are picky with security the laptop already has hardware-based TPM 2.0. Aside from that, there’s also the Windows Hello log-in via Face Unlock or fingerprint with the fingerprint reader beside the touchpad.

While you might think that the laptop is all business, the display makes the laptop all the more versatile. I actually found myself using the laptop as my main Netflix-binging device. Meanwhile, the tablet mode was a great note-taking method as I reviewed for my exams during my time with it. The included MSI Pen was also great. The pen felt great to use, paired with a great display on the laptop itself and you’re all set. The MSI Summit E14 Flip Evo was also a joy to type on. Unlike other laptops, the key spacing on the keyboard was big enough. The touchpad also felt great. The laptop was also a surprising workhorse, the battery lasted me a day in light use. Plus the use of a USB Type-C charging means that you can charge it with a phone charger instead of carrying the power brick all the time. Speaking of charging, the laptop’s charge time was also fast. The included 65W power brick refilled the battery from 10% to 100% in just two and a half hours.

For someone always on the go, the laptop is also exceptionally portable coming at just 17.9mm thin and 1.6kg light. Another thing that surprise me was the webcam. As a laptop made for business, MSI did a great job in including a great webcam. It has a legitimate FHD IR camera that looks really great. The webcam is also used for the Tobii security software which blurs the display if you’re not looking or someone is snooping around. There is a catch though, you’ll need to always turn on the webcam to use the Tobii software. When software is active the Webcam LED was blinking, which made me feel uneasy, like I forgot to leave my zoom call. One thing that concerned me about the laptop was the heat. I found it to get quite hot to the touch after using it for a couple of hours. I tried some adjustments in MSI Center but still could really find a solution to the heat. That said, heat has always been a concern in slim and lights and the MSI Summit E14 Flip Evo is no exception.

VALUE Coming in at PHP89,995 the MSI Summit E14 Flip Evo is on the pricier side. However, I still think that the laptop is

WHAT'S HOT  Great Webcam  Tobii privacy  Tile  Exceptionally portable

WHAT'S NOT  Pricey

BOTTOMLINE The MSI Summit E14 Flip Evo is a great laptop with great added software.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Then there’s also the built-in Tile location which helps you locate the laptop through the Tile app. Even if your laptop is shut down you can use the tile app find where you last left the device. It does this by emitting a loud sound even if the device is turned off. You can also see on the app’s map the approximate location of the device. You can also use the tile app on the laptop to find your phone which also uses the same method.

Processor: Intel Core i7-1280P Graphics: Intel Iris Xe OS: Windows 11 Home Display: 14-inch QHD (2880 x 1800) IPS display with 16:10 aspect ratio Memory: 16 GB of DDR5 Storage: 1 TB of NVMe PCIe4 SSD Ports: 2x Type-C (USB / DP / Thunderbolt™ 4) with PD charging, 1x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2, 1x Micro SD Card Reader, 1x (4K @ 60Hz) HDMI, 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack Battery: 72Whr with 65W charger Connectivity: Intel® Killer™ AX Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 Dimensions: 314 x 227.5 x 17.9 mm Weight: 1.6kg

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL PE

LG ULTRAGEAR (27GP850) MONITOR

For the longest time, I have been torn about getting a dedicated gaming monitor. I really want the higher refresh rates, but at the same I also want a high-resolution monitor satisfy my Netflix bingeing needs. Fortunately, LG is letting us try out their ULTRAGEAR 27GP850, a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution. July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

DESIGN The LG ULTRA GEAR 27GP850 is a 27inch IPS monitor. It has a borderless design, thanks to the thin bezels on the top and side of the screen. As for the monitor build, it’s mostly plastic, but of the high-quality kind. While I expected the base to be all aluminum, I wasn’t too disappointed with it being plastic. It’s sturdy and hefty, perhaps due to the metal within. The stand allows versatile movement as it is height-adjustable, tilt-adjustable, and even pivotable up 90-degrees. I found this to be useful for my varied modes of everyday use. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The whole monitor also has LG ULTRAGEAR’s iconic red accents, especially at the back where the ports are located. Speaking of ports, the monitor does have plenty. It has a single Display Port, plus two HDMI inputs, a USB pass-through, and two USB Type-A ports. There’s also a 3.5mm audio port and the proprietary power input.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

LG ULTRAGEAR 27GP850

HARDWARE The LG ULTRAGEAR 27GB850 has a 27-inch Nano IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate overclockable up to 180Hz. This is useful for FPS gamers who need the extra frames, delivering an advantage over standard 60Hz monitors.

1440 resolution (QHD). Additionally, the display is also VESA Certified HDR400 and supports up to 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Basically, the monitor displays vibrant images. The 98% DCI-P3 color gamut rating also means that you’ll have color accuracy in case you want to make some content.

The Nano IPS display also has a 1ms response time, which is the time it takes for a monitor to shift from color to color. In gaming this millisecond shift allows gamers to react faster. Other gaming features include NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium support which eliminates any screen tearing during high-action sequences.

Let’s start with the assembly. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the monitor can be assembled. It took me less than 20 minutes put it all together, and best of all, it was all completely tool-less. The whole setup only had three thumb screws to put together. The monitor itself is quite versatile. It has different display modes which adjust the screen colors to match. While most of it is dedicated to gaming such as Gamer, FPS, and RTS, there are also media and designer modes such as HDR, sRGB, and the usual vivid and reader mode. The versatility doesn’t end there. The included stand allows for a multitude

As mentioned earlier, the LG ULTRAGEAR 27GP850 has a 2560 x

July 2022

USER EXPERIENCE

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

VALUE Coming in at PHP28,990, the LG ULTRAGEAR 27GP850 costs a pretty penny. While not all gamers need the 1440p and not all designer/creators need the 165Hz, having the luxury of both is what make this particular model a mustconsider for those wanting a monitor upgrade.

SPECIFICATIONS

WHAT'S HOT

of settings. I found myself using it at the highest level and tilting down during movie nights, but at the lowest height and tilted upward when I’m grinding on some Valorant. Speaking of gaming, it is undoubtedly the highlight of the monitor. The 165Hz refresh rate is definitely a game-changer when playing games such as Valorant, while the high resolution and HDR make gaming visuals so much more enjoyable. I had a blast playing Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla on the monitor since it made the game more eye-catching than my usual monitor.

LG also included other game-enhancing settings such as black stabilizers which adjust the display to allow clearer pictures in darker environments. Honestly, I enjoyed this setting the most when I was playing Assassin’s Creed. There is also the crosshair mode that places a crosshair on the middle of the monitor. I can see it working for some, but it doesn’t really add to the experience for me. There’s also an overclock setting that allows the monitor to go up to 180Hz refresh rate but somehow I couldn’t fully test it out.

 QHD display  Up to 180Hz refresh rate  1ms response time

WHAT'S NOT  Pricey

BOTTOMLINE This is a monitor that will cater to whatever you need.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Display size: 27-inch flat Panel Type: IPS Resolution: 2560 x 1440 Refresh Rate: 165Hz (overclock up to 180 Hz) Response Time: 1ms (GtG) Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Ports: USB Type A x2, USB Passthrough x1, HDMI x2, DisplayPort x1, Headphone x1 Power: External Adapter (65W) Dimensions: 614.2 x 364.8 x 51.7 (without stand), 614.2 x 465.9 x 291.2 (with stand) Weight: 4.2kg (without stand), 6.3 kg (with stand)

Cover story

How The Net

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Words by Gabriel Pe

Took Over TV S

treaming has changed the way we consume video content. From subscription-based video streaming to interactive live streaming, streaming has made us tune in more to the internet than the usual television shows.

The pandemic has also magnified our consumption of streaming content. In a study conducted by Forbes in 2021, at least 48% of US online adults were subscribed to at least one streaming service. Meanwhile, a report by the Los Angeles Times pegged video streaming subscriptions to 1.1 billion worldwide. Streaming has shifted video demand from offline to online. In the same Forbes analysis, they noted that normal television viewing time (in the US) decreased from 13 hours on average per week to now 8.6 hours, while video consumption has gone up to 7 hours from 1.7 hours average prior to the pandemic. While video streaming is TV’s main competitor, it isn’t the only form of video streaming that has gained traction post-pandemic.

July 2022

Cover story STREAMING TO THE WORLD In a report by Statista, in 2020, users around the world spent 480 billion hours watching live streaming content; in 2021, it was seen to reach 550 billion hours. In 2020, the Middle East and Africa consumed the most live stream content, followed by the Asia-Pacific region coming in second, and North America rounding out the top three. The major driving force in live streaming was gaming, with gamers tuning in to their favorite streamer for entertainment or watching esports tournaments. But games do not have a monopoly on live streaming.

podcasts where listeners can actually see their favorite podcaster and guests live. They also have the opportunity to completely visualize what the host is describing with production often showing the subject live. Then there’s the rising star in the streaming world, live selling. In another Statista study, it was reported that 17% of live selling interest is from the AsiaPacific, followed by UAE with 16%. This trend has prompted e-commerce

platforms such as Lazada, and Shopee to create their own dedicated live selling platforms. But live selling thrives not on e-commerce platforms but on social media sites like Facebook or even Tiktok’s new live streaming feature, where the stream is easily shared by friends to be seen by other people. Also, livestreaming is also not limited to the internet. Somehow, traditional television has found a way to be part of the shift.

Recent trends indicate that people also favor watching “Just Chatting” streams or streamers simply interacting with viewers and fans. Also included in this category are the few live-streamed

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MEET KUMU AND PIE, LOCAL INTERACTIVE STREAMING Even prior to the pandemic, traditional television had started exploring options for live streaming. What came out was a collaboration between traditional TV and new streaming. Social media played a part in the collaboration, with traditional media initially integrating social media interactions with news and other forms. They started catering to trends, even incorporating their own hashtags to reach top trending. It is this back and forth interaction that is featured in the Philippine Inactive Entertainment Channel of the PIE Channel, a live streaming collaboration between 917Ventures and ABS-CBN. They live stream shows simultaneously on Youtube and traditional media, taking social media interactions as part of the interactivity.

PIE wasn’t the first to do this, as prior to the internet, game show viewers were asked to use SMS to send in correct answers to win prizes. Another app, kumu, has found a way to integrate live streaming with traditional media. Kumu itself is a live streaming app, founded back in 2018. It changed the local media scene when ABS-CBN started using it for its shows and, more recently, for fund-raising projects. They manage this by using kumu’s in-app currency such as kumu diamonds and kumu coins. These in-app currencies can be bought using real-world cash. Whereas other streaming platforms do not allow exchanges back to real-world cash, kumu does, and streamers can earn money from the kumu coins or diamonds they receive as gifts from viewers

How it works is that you watch in tandem on your mobile device with the PIE website open. There you are given questions that would affect what would happen to the show. Answering the questions also enters you into raffle draws to win cash prizes.

In the same way that traditional media utilized SMS to interact with audiences before widespread internet access, ABSCBN utilizes kumu diamonds as a way for audiences to vote during game shows. It also utilizes the platform for its stars to interact with fans. Beyond actors, the platform is also now being used by volleyball players to reach out to fans, live streaming their lives post-game or providing small updates. They also use it to give brief Q&As to fans, giving them the rare opportunity to interact, often not available on game days. Streaming in general has changed the way we consume media. We share, we appreciate, and we interact with streams — pioneering new forms of social entertainment.

July 2022

Cover story

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

PRESS PLAY The Rise of Podcasts Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

ome people are predicting that FM and AM radio broadcasting would soon become obsolete. They are not entirely wrong as radio stations are striving to maintain their flow of revenue in the digital age. Back in the analog era, FM and AM radio stations were the daily companions of commuters, drivers, and even corporate employees who were stuck at their desk jobs. However, in recent years, a dramatic metamorphosis has impacted the industry of broadcast radio programs forever. For millennials and Gen Zs, the convergence of audio, MP3 players, and the Internet resulted in a disruptive medium which would be known as the podcast. PODCAST PROS A portmanteau of iPod—Apple’s version of MP3 player—and broadcast, podcasts can be considered the future of radio talk shows. Offering “listen on demand” access, it is changing our listening behavior. Now, with a smartphone and earphones, all we have to do is press the play button to hear our favorite podcast shows. Most podcasts adopt a structure

where topics are divided in each episode and programs are released each season. The digital age makes podcast streaming more seamless through multiplatform compatibility. We can play podcasts right from our smartphones and across other devices such as laptops and smart speakers. Some streaming platforms, like Spotify, offer podcasts for free, making them more accessible. Unlike traditional radio shows, podcasts are more mobile. You can either stream it online or download an episode and play it offline. You can also rewind the episodes anytime you want, thus breaking the time restrictions imposed by traditional radio. In terms of audience, the diversity of podcast content caters to all walks of life. The podcast library of Spotify, for example, has a wide array of genres from news and politics to art and entertainment. Unexpectedly, people can confidently discuss taboo topics on podcasts since podcasts are generally unregulated. Since the audience shares the same interests or beliefs, online communities can be created around specific podcast topics, resulting

in a more progressive and inclusive audience. Podcasts serve as venues for healthy discourse about a wide range of subjects. PODCASTING IN THE PHILIPPINES Podcasts, like other traditional media, share the same goals. They aim to educate, entertain, and persuade people including those who may or may not be their target audience. In the Philippines, the growing podcast community is evidence of these objectives. Millennials and Gen Zs listen to podcasts that tackle daily survival in the corporate world, different coping mechanisms, and the challenges of adulthood. Most of these shows feature subject matter experts who derive their knowledge from what they have learned and experienced in life. Adulting with Joyce Pring, Wake Up With Jim and Saab, An Open Mind with Liza Soberano, The Linya-Linya Show, and Paano Ba ‘To: The Podcast are among the educational podcasts mostfollowed on Spotify.

July 2022

Cover story

Another characteristic that podcasts showcase is their power to entertain people no matter where they are and what they are doing. Most entertainment podcasts feature guests who discuss almost anything under the sun. It may be about pop culture, current events, true crime and horror, films, TV series, and even comedy. Local film directors JP Habac and Antoinette Jadaone spearhead Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast which gives love advice and features pop culture through films and TV series that they recommend to their letter senders. Inka Magnaye, a local voice actor, produces Sleeping Pill with Inka for insomniacs and people who want to have a good sleep. Wag Kang Lilingon, a horror-comedy podcast, by creatives Grace Marcellana and Mimai Cabugnason presents disturbing topics such as true-crime cases, paranormal sightings, and the deep dark web. Lastly, podcasts are here to inform their audience about current events, the latest national and local news, business and technology news, and even the weather. To maintain credibility and prevent media bias, these podcasts are either produced by news media outlets or in partnership with journalists. Podcasts that express the opinion of the hosts may have a disclaimer at the beginning of the episode to differentiate the perspective of the crew, management, and media network producing the podcast. TV networks may even tailor their news and public affairs TV programs to a podcast format for multiplatform streaming. Some examples of informative shows are Ted Failon’s Think About It, The Howie Severino Podcast, ABS-CBN News Flash, Facts First With Christian Esguerra, and GMA News Public Affairs Digital.

fm, Discord, and Cleanfeed.net are made available to encourage more people to produce their own podcasts for free. This motivates the development of more content genres in the local podcast community. The only caveat that I see here is that disinformation machineries may explore this platform in the future. With the growing number of podcast audiences and producers in the country, the possibilities for peddling fake news through podcasts are endless. Unlike podcasts that are handled by an organization or a broadcasting network, independent podcasts that are managed by people without knowledge about ethical journalism or media production may violate the ethical standards making them accountable for their actions.

A PLATFORM FOR ALL

Another format that is evolving from podcasts is the video podcast which presents video footage of the hosts while recording a specific podcast episode. The audience may watch and listen simultaneously to their favorite podcasts. Spotify has rolled out this feature with its exclusive podcast titles. Just like vlogs, these video podcasts feature automatic captioning and wireless casting of media to compatible devices.

Unlike vlogs, podcasts are much easier to produce. Tools for hosting, distributing, and recording podcasts such as Anchor.

Podcast hosts can become instant online celebrities. As we can conclude, most podcast hosts have nine to five

July 2022

jobs or work behind the camera. Putting the cherry on top, podcasts in the entertainment category are most likely to be hosted by celebrities or influencers. Reality star and engineer Slater Young hosts Skypodcast with his wife and social media influencer Kryz Uy. Liza Soberano has her own podcast show in partnership with Podcast Asia Network, a network of local podcasts in the country. Bianca Gonzales also produces Paano Ba ‘To: The Podcast with Anima Podcasts, the podcast production arm of Globe Telecom. Macoy Averilla, commonly known as Macoy Dubs, has partnered with Summit Media for your daily dose of astrology and tarot readings. While their podcasts are growing, their followers are also increasing through the online communities that either they or their audience built. This gives them a larger platform that can be used for attracting brands and gaining revenues through digital advertisements, promotions, and even product endorsements. However, this can be a double-edged sword. As they gain audience trust, they must always prioritize their social responsibility to be honest, fair, and transparent for sponsored content that they produce. This makes them more accountable for false advertising and disinformation.n

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

July 2022

Cover story

Words by Franceska Aguila

The Next Big Thing Since Instagram N owadays, most people spend their time using various apps to entertain themselves or to pass the time. Quite a number of apps have surfaced, but one particular app is gaining prominence. Formerly known as musical.ly, TikTok — a bitesize and user-friendly platform — is the most downloaded app in 2022, outperforming Facebook and Instagram, now reaching over 6 billion downloads worldwide. Since its launch in September 2016, it gained popularity during the pandemic, bringing comfort and entertainment to house-bound viewers.

July 2022

I personally use TikTok during my spare time and especially before I go to sleep. It is mindless and endless scrolling, and I hardly notice that it’s almost 4AM. My screentime on this app averages 3 to 4 hours daily! As a passive user, there’s something strangely addicting about it that makes me and other users scroll for hours. Active users, on the other hand, can create video to their heart’s content — from skits, trends, cover songs, and anything under the sun.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

July 2022

Cover story

But what is it about TikTok that makes it the go-to video platform for creators, musicians, business owners, professionals, and literally everyone? CONTENT CREATION on TikTok is easier and simpler. Nowadays, most people just use their phones to record a video and edit. In TikTok, the majority of the tools that you need are available for use — filters, templates, voiceovers, etc. What’s interesting about TikTok is that they have a Copyright License Agreement or an IP Licensing Agreement with labels and artists, so no one needs to worry about copyright infringement when they use a particular piece of music. ENGAGEMENT AND REACH are enormous on TikTok, with over 1 billion active users on the platform. I notice that users will scroll and automatically like a

video even before they’ve seen the entire thing. Although the algorithm is still unclear about how it works and with numerous random hashtags, somehow it still lands on the correct users’ For You Page (FYP). TikTok drives such a high engagement for a platform with little or no paid promotions. BUILDING A COMMUNITY on TikTok is uncomplicated. It allows people to talk about their shared interests and many communities have popped up on the app such as #BookTok, #ThrifTok, #WitchTok, #MathTok, and so much more. With these existing hashtags, content creators find it easy to engage with the right users. TIKTOK IS BITE-SIZED. With an average attention span of 8 seconds which is a second shorter than a goldfish, we pay more attention to 30 to 60-second videos, instead of watching an entire vlog for 5 to 15 minutes. TRENDS are faster to catch up on through TikTok. Perfect for rising influencers and brands, with just a tap on the sound, a few moves to learn, and a couple of texts to add, you’re good to go. Moreover, when you use a specific sound, your post will be shown when another user taps on the same sound. The popularity that this app gained over recent years has been very impressive. Almost everyone in the planet is a user, whether as a passive or active user. I’ve seen some apps surface, trying to replicate TikTok and its features, but not one has achieved the same popularity as this app.

“Formerly known as musical.ly, TikTok — a bitesize and user-friendly platform — is the most downloaded app in 2022, outperforming Facebook and Instagram, now reaching over 6 billion downloads worldwide.” July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

July 2022

MOBILITY

ALL-NEW SUBARU WRX THE LEGEND REBORN AND READY TO IGNITE YOUR SENSES

otor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, is excited to announce the debut of the all-new, fifth-generation Subaru WRX and WRX Wagon. At the launch event, Tan Chong International Limited deputy chairman and managing director Glenn Tan remarked, “The all-new WRX is here to ignite your senses. From its stunning exterior and premium interior to the sporty sound and powerful performance of its new 2.4-liter turbo boxer engine, the invigorating smell of the exhaust, and the exciting handling, the WRX gives a raw driving experience that makes burning rubber fun. I am very confident that both the all-new WRX and WRX Wagon will totally ignite your senses, and remain crowd favorites that are much-loved by Subaru enthusiasts here.”

July 2022

EXTERIOR The Shape Subaru’s modern design philosophy “Dynamic x Solid” has been enhanced to also express “Bolder”, guiding the complete redesign of the WRX in both notchback-sedan and station-wagon body styles. Both models are built on the newest iteration of the Subaru Global Platform, with full inner-frame construction and expanded application of structural adhesive to greatly improve the car’s rigidity, a bedrock of performance driving capability. The Style The front has been designed to give the impression of overwhelming performance at a glance. The striking hexagonal grille, with its honeycomb pattern repeated neatly above the fog lamps, is flanked by sleek LED headlamps with Subaru’s C-shaped light signature. Of course, the classic WRX

trademark, a functional scoop cut into the hood, is present and accounted for, feeding fresh air to the intercooler of the turbocharged boxer engine. The athletic design of the WRX continues on the bodysides, which are dominated by eye-catching fender extensions to visually convey the all-wheel-drive power and blackedout lower sections to accentuate the road-hugging stance. Following the sports theme perfectly are the 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40 R18 high-performance tires. If the nose of the WRX looks fast, then the tail looks downright furious. Just like before, there are two pairs of exhaust tailpipes with a fog lamp in the middle, but the rear bumper has become an imposing structure that seems to brace the sculptured sheet metal above and alongside. The boot-lid spoiler, trunk garnish that cuts across

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

July 2022

MOBILITY

like a black katana blade, and LED combination lamps with their magmainspired lighting effects complete the look of the WRX’s “Tokyo turbojet” rear. The WRX pays stylistic tribute to rallying in an obvious fashion, especially in its flashy special color Solar Orange, whereas the WRX Wagon is styled as a classy sports tourer, available with a choice of chic white paintwork, either Ceramic White (both body styles) or Crystal White Pearl (wagon only). The Aerodynamics The new WRX duo are wind-cheating machines, designed to slip through the air in their own slick ways. The airflow

July 2022

around and below the WRX is cleverly controlled to ensure stability on the move, reduce air resistance and perfect the front-rear balance of the whole vehicle, especially at higher speeds where turbulence can be a challenge for fast cars.

Subaru’s attention to detail for the sake of aerodynamics, specifically to disrupt the formation of destabilizing air vortexes, is evident in the bead-shaped ridges of the engine under-cover and the hexagonal dimpled texture of the all-around black garnishing.

The most noticeable aero measures on the bodywork of the WRX are the side sill spoilers and rear spoiler, along with the air outlets behind the front fenders and on the outer corners of the rear bumper. The air outlets eject the air vortex from inside the wheel housings and rear bumper respectively, so as to smoothen the airflow in those areas and help to keep the body stable. Also assisting with this are the air slits at the forward edge of the front wheel arches.

PERFORMANCE The Powertrain At the heart of the high performance is Subaru’s turbocharged FA24 boxer engine, uniquely tuned for the hot new WRX. The 2.4-liter horizontallyopposed 4-cylinder, 16-valve directinjection unit has been engineered to provide exceptional driving enjoyment, on road and track alike. The new boxer motor produces 275PS at 5600rpm and 350Nm at 2000-5200rpm. It provides

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Their average fuel economy and overall exhaust CO2 emissions see marginal improvements, despite the higher levels of performance and equipment. A major efficiency booster is the airconditioning system’s new variablecapacity compressor, which can achieve an estimated 3 percent reduction in fuel consumption. The new WRX engine also requires less engine oil than the old one, and the fuel tank’s material has been changed from metal to resin so as to save weight. Speaking of which, the new manual WRX with all its upgrades is just a few kilograms heavier than its predecessor. The Running Gear With the Subaru Global Platform as the foundation for sportiness, the newgen WRX promises to be a supremely capable yet surprisingly comfortable sports car. A thrilling drive doesn’t have to be tiring in this case. The sport-tuned suspension features geometry optimized for great control and good comfort over all kinds of roads, front-strut rebound springs to mitigate body roll while changing direction, rigid subframes which can resist lateral forces from the tires without resorting to hard bushes, and a rear stabilizer mounted directly to the body for greater stability.

The electric power steering has been changed to a dual-pinion design for a more natural steering feel. The WRX’s multi-mode VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) has been reprogrammed to include a Track mode, which delays the intervention by the active safety system to correct a skid and also disables traction control, thereby allowing a confident driver to progressively push the limits on a circuit. Skillful drivers chasing their Russ Swift fantasy or tackling a gymkhana can switch off the VDC. PRACTICALITY The Sporty Cockpit This is the classiest and comfiest WRX cabin ever, without forgoing the essential elements of a sporty cockpit meant to meet the need for speed behind the wheel. Red-stitched leather also adorns the center console, door panels, and passenger-side dashboard, with luxurious leather seats in the CVT WRX and classic fabric seats in the manual WRX. Metallic-colored accents around the instrument panel provide additional decoration. The instrument cluster adopts a classic two-gauge layout, with the tachometer on the left and the speedometer on the right. Between the meters is a 4.2-inch

ample torque from low crankshaft speeds and vigorous acceleration across the rev range, with the power output tapering moderately as the tachometer needle approaches the 6100rpm redline. Two transmissions are available for the WRX. The sedan variant gets a choice of hardcore 6-speed manual or soupedup “8-speed” Lineartronic CVT, while the wagon variant, in keeping with its supercruiser character, is available only as an automatic. Keen drivers who have a guilty conscience for burning precious petrol will be glad to know that the new WRX CVT models come with a fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop system, which is a first for Subaru’s signature sports car.

July 2022

MOBILITY

high-res LCD combination display for crucial driving-related information, accessed through the [ i ] cluster of buttons below the left spoke of the steering wheel. A digital boost gauge that records the peak psi value can be called up for some entertainment. Drivers will also love the leatherwrapped transmission shift knob and rubber-studded aluminum pedals, while the driver’s seat is ultra-supportive and includes 10-way power adjustment in the auto variants. The Premium Cabin The most upscale feature in the new WRX is its 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which centralizes and manages the infotainment, climate control, vehicle settings, and other important functions in a user-friendly manner. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and front dual USB ports are ready to connect

July 2022

you and your personal devices to the onboard infotainment of the WRX. The Sensible Space The interior packaging differs between the two new WRX body styles, with the wagon variant rightly prioritizing cargo load space. The driver and passengers in the WRX will enjoy more space for their legs and shoulders, along with similar front headroom and slightly less rear headroom (due to the swoopy, lowered roofline). Backseat occupants will also enjoy greater comfort, thanks to the newly specified air-con vents and dual USB ports. The rear seat squab has also been lengthened, making it more comfortable for leggy people, and the rear door armrests have had their padding expanded and thickened. The trunk of the WRX has a useful volume of 414-liters and a shape that

can accommodate outsize items such as a pair of golf bags, two pieces of large luggage, a stroller, or a folding bicycle. The 60:40 split-fold backseat provides added versatility. Naturally, the WRX Wagon is the more versatile vehicle with its cargo capacity of 492-liters expandable to a maximum of 1430-liters by folding down the entire 40:20:40 split-fold backseat. Other cargo-friendly features include a widened rear gate opening, a retractable tonneau cover, four utility hooks, three bag hooks, a side pocket, and quick-release switches for the flexible split-fold facility. Subaru’s PIN Code Access is also a standard feature for the new WRX Wagon. The Reassuring Safety The WRX CVT variants are equipped with EyeSight version 4, Subaru’s unique Driver Assist Technology that relies on innovative stereo cameras.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Significant improvements to the hardware and software make this stateof-the-art safety system even more helpful as an attentive “co-driver”. Subaru EyeSight version 4, complete with EyeSight Assist Monitor, makes driving easier and safer with its extended suite of functions: • Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Function • Pre-Collision Braking with Autonomous Emergency Steering • Pre-Collision Throttle Management • Lane Departure Warning with Lane Departure Prevention • Lane Sway Warning • Lead Vehicle Start Alert

and promptly alerts him or her. DMS also utilizes facial recognition to register up to five different driver profiles and recall their personal settings when they get behind the wheel again, such as their saved seat position, last-viewed content in the multi-info display, and most recent air-con setting.

Pricing and Availability The all-new Subaru WRX and WRX Wagon are now available for order in the Philippines, at the following price points: • WRX sedan MT - PHP2,508,000 • WRX sedan CVT - PHP 2,658,000 • WRX wagon CVT - PHP2,558,000

Other WRX advanced safety features include an array of airbags, a Ringshaped Reinforcement Frame, Steering Responsive Headlights, and a rear view camera, with the WRX auto variants adding High Beam Assist, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection.

Also available on indent order basis are the tS variants, as follows: • WRX tS sedan CVT - PHP2,808,000 • WRX tS wagon CVT - PHP2,708,000 For more details visit www.subaru.asia/ ph/en/vehicles/wrx/ or call +632-88809898.

Another major safety upgrade for the new WRX series is Subaru’s Driver Monitoring System (DMS), which uses an infrared camera to detect whether the driver is distracted or tired/sleepy/ drowsy while the car is being driven,

July 2022

MOBILITY

Turbo-Charged 2022 Mazda CX-5 The most powerful Mazda CX-5 since the model was introduced in 2012

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

azda Philippines unleashes the full potential of its premium compact sport crossover lineup with the introduction of the highly sought-after Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter turbo engine in the 2022 Mazda CX-5 model range. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 All-Wheel Drive Turbo highlights improved power and dynamic performance with its new 253PS and 434Nm turbocharged engine. It also features a wide range of new exterior and interior design elements for a more refined driving experience, as well as enhanced comfort and convenience.

“Ever since its introduction in the Mazda CX-9, the Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine has been the centerpiece of Mazda engineering,” shares Steven Tan, president and CEO of Mazda Philippines. An evolution of perfection With a new three-dimensional grille and a more robust yet elegant signature wing design, the new CX-5 introduces itself with newfound confidence and courage. The impression of a floating front end creates a sense of depth that echoes the passion imbued in the new design. A further evolution of Kodo design in the front and rear bumpers showcases the “less is more” Japanese aesthetic.

To complement the new fascia, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo also introduces a new headlamp and taillamp design. Thinner, more purposeful and sleek, the new headlamp houses LED technology for maximum vision at night. Together with the effective Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with Auto Leveling and High Beam Control, safer journeys at night or in low-light situations will be realized. To reinforce its new signature look, the new CX-5’s quad LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and LED tail light design all come together to project a wider and sportier stance on the road. To fortify its solid, one-piece presence, the new CX-5’s claddings have all been painted the same shade as the body. Along with the newly designed 19-inch wheels finished in Bright Silver, the Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo transforms into an eye-catching singular form of art that reflects light and shadow with more vigor and vitality.

July 2022

MOBILITY

Redefining comfort with every ride The Mazda CX-5 has always been synonymous with driving comfort and composure. For 2022, the new CX-5 will showcase a revised seat design to further elevate the quality and standard of driving pleasure. The new seats of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo allow the driver and passengers to achieve self-balance with ease. The optimized seat shape conforms to the body’s form and encourages the spine to preserve an S-shaped curve. The result is less forward, backward, and sideways head movement making it easier for drivers to maintain a stable line of sight and for passengers to sit in relaxed comfort all throughout the drive. Advances in Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture have also come to play. A reinforced body frame using damping July 2022

adhesives lessens the intrusion of sound and vibrations. Increased rigidity in the seat frame mounts likewise reduces the need for occupants to manually keep their balance, while re-tuned spring and damper characteristics in the suspension also help mitigate the occupants’ discomfort and relieve them of physical burden when driving over bumpy roads. Complementing all these developments is the more distinctive cabin quietness achieved through reduced noise intrusion and resonance control. A reflection of character The 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo takes this experience even higher with its Deep Red Nappa Leather seats. Reinforcing the power and dynamism of the turbocharged mill under the hood, the new seat finish energizes the passion for driving that the engine unleashes.

Satin chrome accents now line all control surfaces, including the window and door lock panels for an even more elegant finish, while a frameless rearview mirror tidies up the front view with its simplified presence. And to further emphasize this newfound elegance in the new CX-5, the roof and pillar trims are finished in black to create an even more formal finish to the interiors. To achieve a truly engaging drive, paddle shifters are now also standard in the 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo. The windshield projected Active Driving Display continues to provide essential driving data to the driver. Elevated functionality and convenience Wireless Apple CarPlay along with wireless phone charging come standard in the 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo. Along with Android Auto connectivity, gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

display and control of the mobile phone’s essential applications such as messaging, music, and call functions is achieved with ease. USB ports front and back are likewise on hand to ensure mobile devices are charged and connected.

Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear ventilation louvers create a comfortable interior for long and short journeys, and power seats with 10-way and 6-way adjustment along with seat ventilation upfront ensure enhanced comfort for both driver and passenger.

The 10-speaker BOSE Premium Sound System plays every drive’s soundtrack with high fidelity, while a sunroof brightens up the cabin and allows fresh air to permeate the CX-5’s living space.

A new 40-20-40 split arrangement for the rear seatbacks allows long objects to be stored along the length of the CX-5 while maximizing seating options for passengers. A raised cargo level with a dividing floor opens up possibilities for various loading configurations, while a power tailgate makes it more convenient for one to open and access this area for ease of loading. Smooth power at your command The Skyactiv-G 2.5T outlines efficiency and everyday smooth control and power delivery to make driving more enjoyable without the penalty of massive fuel consumption and engine

weight. Combined with the proven Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic, the engine uplifts the new CX-5’s driving experience to even greater heights. Featuring Mazda’s very own Dynamic Pressure Turbo which uses a butterfly valve in the engine’s exhaust to create more pressure through a smaller chamber at low RPMs, drivers can count on 434Nm of instantaneous torque even in stop-and-go traffic in the city. Needless to say, all its 253PS of power derived from 95-octane premium unleaded fuel is also available when the roads open up. With innovations such as a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that allows the engine to run at a high 10.5:1 compression ratio without the need to dump fuel into its cylinders for cooling, the Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine uses less fuel than comparable turbocharged engines. July 2022

The impression of a floating front end creates a sense of depth that echoes the passion imbued in the new design. A further evolution of Kodo design in the front and rear bumpers showcases the “less is more” Japanese aesthetic. July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Confidence and safety on various terrain As a highly functional urban crossover, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo makes use of the advanced Mazda i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system to enhance safety and ensure drivability. The system provides valuable grip on all four wheels as needed over a variety of surfaces without the penalty of increased fuel consumption as found in mechanical AWD systems. Making use of various sensors and systems in the car to measure wheel speed, traction, road direction, angle, and even weather, the CX-5’s i-Activ AWD system can proactively control the distribution of torque and secure take-off, acceleration, cornering, and braking, without letting the tires slip in any direction—forward, backwards, or sideways. And on dry surfaces, i-Activ AWD minimizes sending of torque to the rear wheels. This makes the CX-5 function predominantly as a frontwheel drive crossover for better fuel economy. Working in harmony with G-Vectoring Control Plus, a system that manages engine power and braking to make cornering smoother and to stabilize the vehicle along straightaways, the new CX-5 fully engages with the driver by sending confidence-inspiring feedback while driving. A safe space on and off the road Using Skyactiv-Body and Chassis innovations, six airbags, and other passive safety systems, secure living space is provided for every drive.

For 2022, the new CX-5 will feature an extensive suite of i-Activsense safety technologies designed to make drivers more aware of their immediate surroundings. Mazda believes that by providing the driver with essential information, accidents may be avoided or their severity lessened. Active systems that make use of milliwave radar and cameras such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control, LaneKeep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Brake Support, front and rear Smart City Brake Support, and Driver Attention Alert all work together to create a safe space for drivers to react with immediacy to any contingency. Together with a 360-degree camera that activates while parking, the new CX-5 enhances driver awareness for an even more pleasurable, convenient, and safe drive wherever the destination may be. The 2022 lineup Priced at PHP2,380,000, the top-ofthe-range 2022 Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo promises to deliver the ultimate in performance, comfort, convenience, functionality, and safety in the compact crossover realm. The current CX-5 AWD Sport will continue to be available at PHP1,990,000, alongside the CX-5 FWD Sport priced at PHP1,890,000. Color choices include Machine Gray, Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Deep Crystal Blue, and Jet Black. The two new colors — Zircon Sand Metallic — and Polymetal Gray, will be exclusively available to the Mazda CX-5 AWD Turbo.

July 2022

MOBILITY

(From L-R) Councilor Digong Asdali, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar, Mario Ojales (IPC), Meigan Tinio (Advance Thermofab), Vice-Mayor Josephine Pareja, Councilor James Pantaleon Siason and Councilor Eddie Saavedra

Zamboanga chooses the Isuzu Traviz

uring the celebration of the 124th year of Philippine Independence, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), together with its dealer Isuzu Zamboanga, handed over ninety-eight brand-new Isuzu Traviz units to the City Government of Zamboanga, which contributed to the 10,000-unit sales milestone of the Isuzu Traviz lightweight truck. The Isuzu Traviz units with rescue vehicle body type, equipped with strobe lights with built-in siren and PA system and 1-unit spine board, will be distributed to the different barangays in the city. This is in line with the City Government’s thrust on the Barangay Emergency Network Group program July 2022

which aims to equip and capacitate the barangays to ensure immediate response during emergencies and calamities. IPC department head for dealer sales Mario Ojales led the turnover of units to the local government officials of City of Zamboanga headed by Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco Salazar, Councilor Digong Asdali, Vice-Mayor Josephine Pareja, Councilor James Pantaleon Siason, and Councilor Eddie Saavedra. The City Government cited that apart from the competitive pricing, they also took into consideration the fuel-efficiency of the Isuzu Traviz –

making it convenient and ideal for multi-purpose trips in the barangays. Since the introduction of Isuzu Traviz in the Philippine market, it has since gained popularity among business owners because of its powerful yet fuel-efficient engine. With a fuel tank capacity of 50-liters, the Isuzu Traviz can travel up to 1,063km on one full tank according to the results of the One Full Tank Challenge conducted by IPC as observed and certified by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) in April 2022. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Powered by Euro 4 rated 4JA1 2.5-liter Direct Injection Common Rail Blue Power Diesel Engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, Isuzu Traviz is rated to carry up to 1.6 tons payload. This powerful truck also boasts a comfortable cabin that can accommodate up to three people with its spacious legroom, ergonomically designed interior, and better visibility. In addition to that, its maneuverability and short turning radius of 4.5-meters make the Isuzu Traviz ideal for driving in the busiest areas and narrowest streets.

10K THANK YOU TREAT As a way of thanking patrons for the 10,000th unit sales of the Isuzu Traviz, IPC launched their “10K Thank You Treat” — a series of promotions for existing and potential Traviz customers. The promo includes: • 10,000-liters of fuel to be raffled off to 500 customers nationwide who will purchase or reserve a TRAVIZ unit • PHP10,000 cash Traviz referral bonus on top of the existing PHP10,000

referral fee that IPC is already offering for both existing and potential customers • 10% discount on Labor and Parts for any Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) and/or general job with Free 1-liter Isuzu Genuine Motor Oil XTRM To know more about the Isuzu Traviz and the rest of the Isuzu commercial vehicle line-up, log on to www. isuzuphil.com, or call your nearest Isuzu dealer. July 2022

MOBILITY

Hyundai Modern PUVs Go To Bicol

he Hyundai BiyaHenyo Caravan’s recent Bicol leg had Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) upping the ante in its unflagging support for the nationwide Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). In partnership with Hyundai Trucks and Buses Alabang, 30 local transport cooperative groups, or up to 150 members, attended the roadshow event held at PROXY by The Oriental Albay July 2022

Hotel to solidify their commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the acquisition of 450 units of the Hyundai Modern PUV.

The caravan was graced by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 5 Director PNP Major-General Antonio N. Gardiola, Jr., HARI president and CEO Ma. Fe PerezAgudo, Hyundai Alabang Inc. COO

Maxwell C. Quilat, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)-Legazpi Lending Center senior assistant vice president Francisco M. Sayson, Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)-Albay Lending Center account officer Armel A. Alcantara, and AF Payments Inc. head of transportation Bing Barraquias. In his brief remarks, Director Gardiola commended HARI’s efforts at PUV modernization in Region 5, saying: “Everyone came to a halt during the pandemic but we must move on and find ways how to drive the PUV Modernization Program. We invited our future partners and I am very glad that Hyundai is one among them who is very active in this endeavor. In fact, they are the first ones to come up with this kind of program here in Bicol.” For her apart, Agudo thanked the group for their trust and support for the Hyundai brand, reiterating that the value of Hyundai Modern PUVs gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

extends beyond meeting the needs of the daily commute. “What matters most to us is the fact that the Hyundai Modern PUV is helping boost the economy of the Bicol region, and of every Philippine province, city, and municipality that it finds itself. It is a vehicle for connecting communities,

moving people and products for major industries, showcasing the beauty of the regions, and, in so doing, it gives a boost to the quality of life of individuals and communities,” said Agudo. The signing came at the heels of the recent successful turnover of 15 units

of Class 3 HD50S Modern PUVs to the Bulusan Transport Service Cooperative (BULTRASCO) last April in Sorsogon. Earlier, in 2020, a fleet of 23 Hyundai Modern PUVs was released to the Tabaco-Legazpi Transport Cooperative (TALETRANSCO) of Albay province. Since its inception in 2017, HARI has turned over more than 500 Modern PUV units all over the country in its bid to be a Partner in Every Way, so local governments and cooperatives can make public transport across the nation safer, more comfortable, reliable, sustainable, and more accessible to every Filipino. HARI launched BiyaHenyo at the start of the year to help transform transport cooperatives into ‘smartrepreneurs’—or business-savvy owners and operators of Hyundai Modern PUVs. Since its kickoff, the roadshow has attracted 80 local transport cooperatives from various key cities and provinces in the country.

July 2022

MOBILITY

Safe Commuting

re you ready to meet colleagues at work? Eager to face your friends at school? Excited to go on that much-needed vacation? Today, people are more confident to move around thanks to the high vaccination rate in Metro Manila and the new mindset that we are, indeed future-ready. We are used to ensuring that surfaces and the air are clean, for our peace of mind. We are navigating towards a future July 2022

where, even if there is a virus present, we know that we can do our best to get through our days safely. And it is comforting to know that public transport vehicles are similarly future-ready, with the Aller Orion Air Sterilizer Series. The Aller Orion air sterilizers are designed with different indoor space sizes in mind and can be used for spaces between 30sqm to 150sqm, including

cars, buses, and other vehicles. This means that you won’t have to worry about the air you breathe in confined spaces when you commute to and from your destination. A travel ally you can rely on Viruses and bacteria can survive for some time in the air and on surfaces; they can easily spread from person to person, especially in closed and gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

investing in an air and surface disinfecting device can ease the stress and worries of passengers. Marivic H. Del Pilar, president and general manager of Victory Liner, said, “We have resumed operations for more trips at this time, and continue to provide our transportation services to many passengers. We know that traveling in safety is a top priority for our passengers, which is why we have installed Aller Orion sterilizers in our buses. We want to assure our passengers that the air and surfaces in our buses are constantly cleaned and sterilized so that they can travel with peace of mind.”

confined spaces. The Aller Orion series not only disinfects the air but also sterilizes surfaces such as bus handles, chairs, and rails. “Clean indoor air is important, especially in small spaces and vehicles, like cars and buses. We developed the Aller Orion sterilizer series for enclosed spaces with high traffic because we know that good air quality is vital wherever we go,” explained Jona A. Chiang of Aller Innovations Inc. “Our sterilizers use state-of-the-art cold plasma technology that can eliminate up to 99.9% of harmful viruses, as well as bacteria, both in the air and on surfaces.”

Transport-P2P Buses. “That is why we have made it a point to invest in Aller Orion units for our buses. Our drivers and passengers can travel knowing that their air is clean and they are protected from getting viruses.” Clean Air + Peace of Mind = Priceless For many public transport operators, traveling safely and securely is possible today. Apart from the safety protocols,

Angel Mendonez is a Victory Liner bus driver who appreciates the safety and peace of mind that the Aller Orion gives. “Bumibiyahe ako ng madalas araw-araw, kaya kailangan kong siguraduhin na protektado ako, para sa aking mga pasahero at aking pamilya,” he explained. “Kaya nagpapasalamat ako na naglagay ng Aller Orion sterilizers sa mga bus namin, upang mapanatiling malinis ang hangin at ang lahat ng nasa sa loob ng bus.” The Aller Plasma Orion Series gives us clean air, clean surfaces, and peace of mind. Feel safe and ready to travel with the Aller Plasma Orion.

Currently, several P2P airport buses and Victory Liner buses have installed Aller Orion Shield 100 in their units for added protection of their drivers and passengers. “It is not easy to be a driver or passenger nowadays, with all the news about different variants and surges happening. We know that people who travel regularly cannot help but feel anxious sometimes,” said Melvin Mendoza, general manager of RRCG

July 2022

MOBILITY

Petron Philippine Overland Expedition

ndustry leader Petron Corporation is presenting the Petron Philippine Overland Expedition, happening on October 12-16, 2022. The first of its kind in the country, this year’s overland event is themed the Pacific Coast Challenge. Designed for off-road enthusiasts, the event will offer two options: For adventure enthusiasts, the Overland Challenge will see 4x4 vehicles navigating slippery trails and terrains while competing for prizes. On the other hand, families and friends just wanting to travel and enjoy the off-road camping experience can participate in the Overland Expo. July 2022

As event presentor, Petron is shining the spotlight on its fuels and lubricants that are specially formulated to meet the exacting demands of the off-roading community. Typically, their rugged 4-wheel drive vehicles are powered by turbocharged diesel engines capable of carrying heavy loads. With Petron Rev-X HTP, Petron Turbo Diesel, and Petron DieselMax, the overlanders can ensure the peak performance of their vehicles, so they can enjoy this adventure to the full. PETRON REV-X HTP. To prepare their vehicles for the rigors of the Petron Philippine Overland Expedition, all participating vehicles

will benefit from an engine tune-up using the top-of-the-line PETRON REV-X HTP, a high-premium fully synthetic 5W-40 engine oil that offers High Temperature Protection (HTP). It is highly recommended for high-performance diesel engines. Its Polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil offers significant advantages over mineral base oils as its outstanding oxidation and thermal stability reduce engine stress. PETRON REV-X HTP is also formulated with performance additives that help prevent soot and piston deposits, thus maintaining superior engine cleanliness and efficiency, while preventing wear and corrosion for longer engine life. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

PETRON TURBO DIESEL. A high-performance and technologicallyadvanced premium diesel, PETRON TURBO DIESEL boasts a Cetane Number (CN) of 60, far exceeding the Philippine National Standard. Its high cetane and premium additive formulation allow PETRON TURBO DIESEL to deliver more power, better engine response, and improved fuel efficiency. For high-end vehicles with turbocharged diesel engines, using PETRON TURBO DIESEL delivers extraordinary engine performance and a more enjoyable driving experience. At the same time, older diesel engines will be able to achieve better fuel efficiency and improved emissions due to its rapid clean-up and power restoration formulation and combustion-enhancing properties. PETRON TURBO DIESEL is the perfect fuel for those competing in the rough and tumble of the 3-day Overland Challenge.

PETRON DIESELMAX offers optimal engine performance, engine protection, and fuel efficiency for happy campers enjoying the Overland Expo. Confirming its popularity among satisfied users, PETRON DIESELMAX is the best-selling diesel fuel in key cities and urban areas in the Philippines. Having served the fuel needs of the country for almost 90 years, only Petron has a deep understanding of the unique driving conditions on Philippine roads. Its R&D team is constantly striving to create diverse products that will deliver optimum efficiency for every type of vehicle that meet the most stringent fuel technology and emission benchmarks in the world today.

As the country’s leading oil company, Petron takes pride in being the biggest oil player and only Filipino refiner with the local capability to formulate worldclass products to meet the diverse fuel needs of Filipino motorists. Unlike other industry players, Petron—as a Philippine-based company— has the management flexibility and technical competence to create quality products that meet the needs of our countrymen, from motorcycle riders to tricycle and jeepney drivers, as well as everyday motorists and owners of highperformance vehicles. Created by Filipinos for Filipinos, Petron fuels and lubricants are designed to meet the motoring needs of everyone.

PETRON DIESELMAX. A highquality diesel fuel formulated as a low-sulfur premium product, PETRON DIESELMAX delivers superior performance, particularly for medium to high-speed diesel engines. PETRON DIESELMAX has a unique and robust multifunctional additive that contains a smoke-reducing agent for instant and sustained cleaner emissions. It also has a lubricity additive to protect against engine wear. Its outstanding detergency helps maintain and improve fuel injection system cleanliness.

July 2022

MOBILITY

Netherlands Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Pieter Terpstra on the Sandwichbike, a bicycle made out of sustainable materials.

World Bicycle Day

he United Nations (UN) Philippines, in partnership with SM, recently celebrated World Bicycle Day with a Fun Bike Ride around the SM Mall of Asia Complex. The event also marked the UN Philippines’ first time to officially celebrate the UN day in the country. Around 250 cyclists, led by UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez, joined the Fun Bike Ride. These included officials from UN July 2022

Philippines; the embassies of the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Netherlands, and Poland; and cycling advocacy groups including the Firefly Brigade. World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle — a simple, affordable, clean, and environmentally sustainable means of transportation. The UN General Assembly declared June 3 as World Bicycle Day in 2018 to acknowledge the

uniqueness, longevity, and versatility of the bicycle which has been in use for two centuries. In the Philippines, the UN values World Bicycle Day for the opportunity it offers to advocate its important climate goals, including the promotion of inclusive and green mobility; reducing carbon emissions; helping advocate for the transition to green cities; and mobilizing Filipinos to use their bicycles for trips as much as possible, gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

From left: The Indonesian Embassy’s Police Attache Agus SETIYOKO, Mrs. Yulaida PRADOPO, and Minister Counsellor for Economics Kusuma PRADOPO at the UN’s World Bicycle Day celebration.

From left: Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano’s Chief of Staff Atty. Peter Pardo, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Populations Fund country representative Leila Joudane, and SM Mall of Asia Senior Assistant Vice President Perkin So. Embassy of the Czech Republic Charge d’Affaires Dalibor Micka and cycling vlogger Moses Amira.

Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Shehabeldin bikes along the SM Mall of Asia Globe.

with a view to adopting healthy lifestyles. “With all of these crucial advocacies carried by World Bicycle Day, riding our bicycles is a small act with great impact on achieving national and global goals,” Gonzalez said. As part of its ongoing advocacy to promote a cycling culture and enable healthy, sustainable, and inclusive mobility, SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, launched the Bike-Friendly SM initiative at the Mall of Asia in September 2020.

French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz joins UN Philippines in celebrating World Bicycle Day at SM Mall of Asia.

Diplomats at the World Bicycle Day celebration were (from left) Embassy of Poland Vice Consul Tomasz Danel and Counsellor-Minister Anna Krzak-Danel, Czech Republic Embassy Charge d’Affaires Dalibor Micka, and the Netherlands Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Pieter Terpstra.

Highlights under the initiative include the production of the country’s very first Biker’s Manual, in partnership with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Health, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the MMDA. There were also bike safety clinics together with cycling advocacy groups like the Firefly Brigade and the Bikers United Movement.

More recently, a SM employee outreach project, Bike Ride for A Cause in SM Masinag, SM Pampanga, SM Bacolod and SM Lanang Premier served more than 700 beneficiaries. The Bike-Friendly SM initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to make communities where SM malls are located, more inclusive, livable, and sustainable.

SM has since installed 1,155 bike parking facilities nationwide which can accommodate more than 8,400 bicycles; installed 86 bike repair stations across all malls, and has established a total of 19.75 kilometers of shared and dedicated bike lanes at the SM Mall of Asia and SM Seaside in Cebu; bike trail parks; and bike-and-dine facilities at many of its malls.

July 2022

MOBILITY

Lucena City is Home to 64th Mitsubishi Motors Outlet

itsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) inaugurates its 64th outlet in the country at Lucena City. The capital city of the province of Quezon also becomes the newest home of Mizukuwa Motors Corp. (MZM), in addition to its outlets in Banaba South, Batangas, and Anabu Imus, Cavite. Situated at the Diversion Road, Pan-Philippine Highway at Ilayang Dupay, the facility has a land area of 4,000sqm with room for three display vehicles and ten service bays. Present at the inauguration event were executives from MMPC, led by president and CEO Takeshi Hara, as well as from the MZM group headed by MZM president Paolo Borromeo and chairman of the board Frank Eizmendi. Also in attendance was the honorable Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala who expressed his delight that the presence of the brand in this area of the CALABARZON region, saying it is a welcome addition to the city’s budding automotive business. “Lately, I have actually been visiting showrooms and mall displays to meet July 2022

and speak to customers. Hearing their voices and learning the culture have further inspired me to bring the Mitsubishi Motors brand closer to even more Filipinos and make their lives better,” notes MMPC president Takeshi Hara. “So it is with much excitement that not only do we get to continue this fruitful partnership with MZM but also finally have the opportunity to reach locals here in this part of South Luzon. As we formally open our doors to the people of Lucena, they can expect a wonderful car life journey with us starting from our quality products all the way through our excellent customeroriented services.” Geographically, Lucena is known to be the “Cocopalm City of the South” due to its expanse of coconut lands and mills. It is also notable for being a site of major factories and distribution hubs among international fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and liquor distilleries. A few car assembly plants and dealerships as well as commercial and business enterprises are also steadily being established in response to

the growing population of its suburban barangays. MZM president Paolo Borromeo recognizes this and addresses residents, “Come and visit our newest dealership to see up close and test drive the latest Mitsubishi models, including the New Xpander. Our well-equipped sales team will be happy to help you find the right vehicle for both your wants and needs along with suitable purchase options. Equally, our fully trained service and parts team is ready to keep your brand new or existing Mitsubishi in tip-top condition from your routine periodic maintenance, other general jobs, and collision repairs. We value your peace of mind and want to protect you and your loved ones.”

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Hino Modern Love Bus

ino Motors Philippines (HMP) reignites the Love Bus nostalgia with its newest people carrier, the HS8J Low Floor City Bus. Keeping true to its predecessor’s legacy, this modern Love Bus offers smooth and pleasurable commutes for urban passengers. Designed for city operations, the HS8J Low Floor Bus features a ground clearance of 375mm. This allows for a lower center of gravity, enhancing ride stability while reducing sway and roll inside the cabin. This makes it the ideal ride, even for standing passengers. Prioritizing passenger convenience, the new Hino Low Floor City Bus features a side kneeling function. This provides ease of getting in and out of the vehicle as doors can be lowered to the standard gutter height. This emphasis on convenience is also apparent in the bus’s step-free design where passengers walk in to a full-flat floor. With other low entry city buses, passengers need to tackle a level of stairs before reaching the aisle. With the HS8J’s design, commuters have ready access to the aisle and seats right upon boarding. In fact, this bus features a larger flat-floor area compared with other low floor city

buses plying our roads. A folding ramp for boarding as well as a dedicated space for wheelchairs are integrated with the vehicle to accommodate priority passengers. Adding on comfort, the HS8J optimizes cabin space with a combination of front and side-facing seats. This configuration creates a spacious aisle for standing passengers while maintaining generous legroom for those seated. This bus can carry up to 62 passengers, 36 seated and 26 standing. Equipped with warm LED interior lighting and built-in 32inch TV monitors, commuting can finally be enjoyable. The bus’s powerful air-conditioning by Denso comes with SHARP Plasmacluster Ion Generator that purifies cabin air by disabling airborne contaminants. This, along with its antibacterial and antiviral interior panels give commuters peace of mind as they utilize public transport. A relaxing ride is only possible when the driver and passengers are at ease. The Hino Low Floor Bus runs on a J08E common rail, direct injection Euro 4 engine, coupled with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. This combination

brings powerful performance at 280Ps output and 824Nm of torque while maintaining efficient fuel combustion for a smoother ride. The HS8J is also equipped with front and rear auto-adjusting disc brakes with ABS to ensure safe braking during emergency situations and through various road conditions. “Hino is proud to offer this new HS8J Low Floor City Bus. As the only commercial vehicle brand in the country offering a complete One-Stop Shop advantage for customers, Hino is ready and committed to support the Filipino entrepreneur. From truck chassis supply to rear body design and production, special utility requirements, and all the way through aftersales, we offer maximized uptime while minimizing costs. That’s Hino’s Total Support guarantee,” said Hino Motors Philippines president Mitsuharu Tabata. Through the years, the Love Bus has become an icon that made its mark not just on the roads, but also in the Filipino commuters’ hearts. Experience the modern Love Bus through the Hino HS8J Low Floor City Bus available at your nearest Hino dealership. July 2022

Gaming

DEVELOPER PLATFORM

Tribute Games

PUBLISHER

Dotemu

PC, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Words by Jose Alvarez

he popularity of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) was so great that there were multiple films, TV shows, comics, toys, and video games released in the franchise over a period of nearly 40 years. Generation X first enjoyed the franchise in the 1980s, while Millennials also found the franchise to be popular into the 1990s and even the 2000s. A t got into TMNT during the mid-2010s when the franchise was rebooted. That meant more media for Generation Z to consume, effectively bringing a whole new audience to this wildly popular franchise. The question remains: does TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge hold up to the hype?

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Shredder’s Revenge plays like a sidescrolling action brawler reminiscent of the genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The game art is even pixelated to keep its retro look. You can play as any of the four Turtles: Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. You can also play as Master Splinter and April O’Neil; f Casey Jones is an unlockable character as well. What makes this game even more appealing to older fans is that the voice actors from the 1987 series are once again voicing the Turtles. There are also numerous tributes to the arcade games of yesteryear, bringing back memories of the 1989 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game and its 1991 sequel, Turtles in Time. Shredder’s Revenge features 16 levels, including a mix of the classic stages and some new and original series. All the villains return, such as Shredder himself, Shredder’s Foot Clan, Krang, and Bebop and Rocksteady. Each character is unique based on range, speed, and power, so picking one to suit your playstyle is beneficial, especially since waves and waves of enemies will be attacking you. Each character also has a super move and a taunt to add to the flair of the game. In Arcade Mode, you only have a limited amount of lives and must complete the game in one go, which may be challenging to those not familiar with the genre. Those with significant experience in side-scrolling action brawlers will find themselves at home in Arcade Mode. For those who want to take it easy, you can play on Story Mode, where you can accumulate points that you can redeem for additional health, extra lives, new combat moves, and a special ability called Radical Mode, which enhances your own capabilities. Even better, you can play with up to five of your friends in cooperative multiplayer and perform combination moves to clear the screen of enemies faster.

Along with the original voice actors returning to reprise their roles, Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah and Raekwon have contributed to the soundtrack for even more star power that has gone into this game. The soundtrack has also been released on CD and vinyl for fans of physical media, and I enjoyed the combination of the music with the gameplay.

July 2022

Entertainment

Pinoy Wrestling Goes Digital Words by Anne Romero

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

ksyonovela TV is the Philippines’ first online weekly episodic wrestling show. While the entire first season can be streamed on MWF’s YouTube channel, viewers can now watch the new season every Wednesday on the content streaming platform Gank via a monthly subscription. Subscribers get to enjoy hard-hitting action featuring some of Philippine wrestling’s most accomplished personalities. Featured in the show is Crystal, the first female wrestling champion in the Philippines, who is internationally renowned and featured in Netflix’s Midnight Asia. There’s also Jake De Leon and Ken Warren, who, alongside Crystal, represented the Philippines in the 2019 WWE tryouts held in China. Viewers also get to see Robin Sane, MWF’s inaugural champion who has performed all over Southeast Asia. To top it off, there’s Fabio Makisig, who wrestled Japanese legend Tajiri. This July, Aksyonovela TV will be featuring matches from MWF’s first post-pandemic live event this past June 5, Republika 2022. Filipino Entertainment At Its Core It isn’t just about the wrestling—there’s a little bit of something for every Filipino viewer. Like your signature Pinoy teleserye, Aksyonovela

TV intertwines wrestling matches with storylines that carry a unique blend of action, drama, thrills, athleticism, and a strong local flavor. What makes Aksyonovela uniquely Filipino is its colorful cast of characters. Fabio Makisig, for instance, is your resident siga, arrogantly threatening to kick anyone’s head in. You have Bro. Jomar Liwanag, the charismatic leader of a cult called the Bahay ng Liwanag. You have Nigel San Jose, the always-smiling, suplexgiving personification of Filipino resilience and strength. Lastly, there’s “Danger” Rex Lawin, a Pinoy strong-style powerhouse who strikes fear in the hearts of his opponents with brutish force. All of this makes for some exhilarating Pinoy entertainment that you can access right on your screen. Visit manilawrestling.com to subscribe to MWF on Gank to watch Aksyonovela TV and get live show ticket discounts plus exclusive freebies to hype up the wrestling fan in you.

July 2022

Music Corner

I like doing things myself. Partly because I can’t afford to get professionals to do it for me, but also partly because I enjoy tinkering on my own. (I’m stubborn, too!) It’s no different when it comes to music. I’ve been recording and producing my own songs under the name Super P since last year, and it’s been such a steep learning curve. But let me show you the gadgets that make it so much easier for me to make my own music.

If you’ve read Gadgets Magazine’s Wishlist Issue, you might remember me listing the Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface as one of my must-haves. Luckily, my Secret Santa obliged, and I was able to use it to record my second album! For those who are unfamiliar with the tech, an audio interface acts like a translator between your instrument and your computer. It helps you ensure clarity and quality while recording (versus, say, directly placing your microphone in front of your amplifiers or instruments—which I did). What I love the most about my Scarlett Solo is that it’s easy to set up. Just plug it in, follow simple steps, and you’re good to go! Perfect for someone who doesn’t have much time to learn highly technical audio production setups.

While recording the guitars and vocals for my first few songs, I made the mistake of using a condenser microphone, which is typically used for podcasts and video content. The result? Too much ambient noise that my inexperienced self had to figure out how to clean up. That’s because condenser mics are designed to pick up delicate sounds. After (much-delayed) research, I discovered that what I needed was a dynamic microphone. I thought I had to shell out a couple of thousandS to get a good one, but as it turns out, you can get a great dynamic microphone for less than PHP1000—the Maono AU-K04. I used it to record my next batch of songs, and the difference in quality was definitely miles away from my earlier recordings.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

DIY music production, no matter how cost-efficient it may be compared to hiring professional sound engineers, still requires you to invest in a good pair of monitor headphones. The Audio Technica ATH-M40x has given me the benefit of amazing sound quality from a trusted brand for less than PHP10,000. Why not use just any headphone, you ask? Professional monitor headphones like the ATH-M40x provide accurate sound monitoring by delivering a flat response that is not accentuated by too much bass or too much treble—elements that are enhanced in typical consumer headphones. It allowed me to hear my songs and produce them with a more-or-less universal baseline sound to suit different kinds of speakers.

The songs I make are meant to be played by a live band. Guitars, bass, drums—the whole shebang. For the first two instruments, I have the skill and resources to play and record on my own. But drums? My hand-foot coordination can’t handle it. So because I’m too stubborn to ask for help from a real drummer, I had to—you guessed it—do it myself! I used a virtual drum software program called EZdrummer by Toontrack. In it, you not only get to create a drum line for your song using a virtual kit, but you also can compose one just by laying out preset drum tracks that you can select from a comprehensive library of styles and genres. Talk about EZ! What’s great about EZdrummer is that it can be used as standalone software or as a plugin to your digital audio workstation (DAW).

Follow Super P on YouTube at youtube.com/SuperPWasHere Stream my album First, We Attack The Heart! on Spotify.

July 2022

Music Corner

BEN&BEN

HEADLINE APPLE MUSIC CAMPAIGN Today’s most successful Filipino act, Ben&Ben is taking their music and fans to a whole new level of listening experience with Apple Music’s Spatial Audio feature, powered by mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Still bringing subscribers even closer to their passion for great music — thanks to a no-frills, no-catches, sixmonth free trial subscription to Apple Music — Smart just released a video featuring Ben&Ben enjoying their music, which is now even more palpable as the emotions of their songs because of Apple Music’s Spatial Audio feature. A must-try for all Smart subscribers, Apple Music stands out in the field of music streaming services not only because of the lengthy six-month trial but also because of exclusive features that provide an unmatched streaming and listening experience no matter what device you’re using. Apple Music has also added a wide selection of songs that can now be heard with Spatial Audio, which allows subscribers to listen in surround sound with the use of compatible headphones and earphones. The service delivers an out-of-this-world listening experience apart from the Lossless Audio feature that upgrades the listening experience to a whole new level. Apple Music now boasts a library of over 90 million songs—and counting—from all your favorite musical artists and acts spanning every genre you can think of, whether it’s Western pop, Kpop, OPM, and more. And what’s even better is that this extensive catalog of tracks is all in high-quality Lossless Audio, capturing every note and element, and delivering them in a crisp, clear sound that elevates your listening and vibing. It’s easier for Smart subscribers to avail of the free six-month trial subscription to Apple Music. All they have to do is log into their updated GigaLife App and activate the Apple Music offer on the app’s home screen. Once successfully signed up for an Apple Music account, subscribers can use it on all their devices, not just on their smartphones. Ben&Ben and Smart go way back when the band provided the theme song to one of Smart’s biggest campaigns, Inevitable, back in February 2021. Earlier this year, Smart streamed the group’s Kuwaderno concert via the GigaPlay App. For an immersive listening experience, it’s time to make the switch to Smart and claim the FREE six months’ worth of Apple Music subscription via the Smart GigaLife App. To know more, visit https://smart. com.ph/Pages/apple.

July 2022

Apps

STREAMING MADE EASY WITH

Words by Gabriel Pe

treaming has gained popularity in the last few years. During the pandemic, it rose to new heights as many turned to live streaming for entertainment. Streaming also became the new “events place” with many shifting their concerts, product launches, and even religious rites to the digital with physical gatherings prohibited.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

For many of the uninitiated, live streaming can be a daunting task. You need to consider many factors such as camera scenes, audio production, and the more technical stuff such as bit rates and internet speed. Then there’s the software — there’s a lot to choose from. OBS is the most recognizable and most recommended. Being open-sourced, everything is easily personalizable as long as you’re ready to spend the time learning it. Then there’s Streamlabs, similar to OBS, but not opensource. You can do the same things in Streamlabs as with OBS, but the customization is a bit more limited. Then there’s StreamYard, a free browserbased live streaming software. Being browser-based, StreamYard doesn’t need any download, which means you can practically use it anywhere, even on your phone. Of course, it also means that you lose out on some of the customizable features the other streaming software offer. But surprisingly, it has robust features that actually make streaming a whole lot easier.

The major downside of the free plan is the 20-hour limit per month. Then there’s the StreamYard branding in the free plan, with each stream having a little StreamYard watermark in the corner. Lastly, there are limitations on how many guests you can bring into your stream. Despite these, the free plan does have some of the more important features like the comments live view.

StreamYard makes streaming easy for people who don’t have the time to learn the other streaming software. You can immediately start streaming with a click of a button and with basically no setup. Inside the stream, StreamYard offers a ton of customization options such as theme, brand color, and even overlays and backgrounds. While not as in-depth as other software, it has enough of the basics to get you started. It has built-in scenes that allow you to change what the audience sees, all with a click of the mouse or by dragging each box.

If you plan to stream more than 20 hours per month, don’t want to show the StreamYard branding, and plan to bring in up to 10 guests, then you should upgrade to the Basic plan. It also allows you to multi-stream to 3 platforms as well as incorporate customizations such as backgrounds, overlays, and self-branding, which is important for sponsors and businesses. The Professional plan allows full-HD streaming to 8 destinations.

Lastly, there’s built-in live comment feedback that you can interact with. Just click on a live comment to highlight it in the stream. If streaming isn’t your main thing, you can also record videos on StreamYard.

StreamYard will not cater to everyone who wants to stream. It’s geared more toward professional streaming, mainly with guests or events streaming. While you can also do these with the other software, the ease of using StreamYard makes it a more compelling choice. As for game streaming, you can use StreamYard, but the lack of some customization in the back end may make it too limiting.

StreamYard is technically not 100% free. It offers three tiers of membership, a free plan, a Basic plan which costs USD25 per month, and a Professional plan which costs USD49 monthly.

July 2022

Apps

FREE VIBER CALLS FOR FILIPINOS V

iber, one of the world’s leading apps for free and easy communication, is giving Filipino users more ways to stay connected with their family, friends, or colleagues wherever they are in the world by offering them free 30 minutes of calls to any mobile or landline number every month. Viber has been allowing its users to get in touch with loved ones, coworkers, or businesses who don’t have a smartphone or access to the internet by simply subscribing to an affordable calling plan. With this new offer, Filipino users are now able to enjoy longer calls to any number in 60 countries around the world. The Philippines is one of the first markets in the world to enjoy this special offer, as it is the messaging app’s key growth area in the Asia Pacific with a 50% increase in voice calls in 2021. Free Viber calls will also be available in countries that have growing Filipino communities like Hong Kong, Kuwait, and Singapore. “Innovation and our users will always be at the center of everything we do at Viber,” says David Tse, Rakuten Viber’s senior director for APAC. “Offering free calls to our Filipino users is our response to their increasing demand for high quality, crystal clear calls even with non-Viber users. With this special offer, we hope we’ll be able to help them reach out to family, friends, colleagues, or anyone in the world, even those who don’t have Viber yet. It’s our own little way of bringing the convenience of our technology to more people.”

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Everyday Apple

Goodbye Windows, Hello Mac! Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo

Look at Gadgets Magazine issues from 2014 - 2017 and you will see I was a hardcore #PCMasterRace advocate. Years later, I am now an Apple convert.

Portability

was always into PC building. The ability to customize a Windows computer according to my needs, wants, and budget, and then upgrade piecemeal in the future was something that could not be easily done with Apple’s desktop products. The Cupertino company’s laptops from years back were also quite expensive as compared to similarly specced Windows laptops. It was a no-brainer for me to stick with Windows desktops and notebooks back then.

I bought the Macbook Air M1 mainly for portability. Coming in at just 1.29kg, it’s definitely one of the lightest laptops out there. Being steadily more involved in development and social work where days spent on the field are about equal to days spent in the office, a featherweight computer is definitely a must-have. A heavier device will quickly make its presence felt on the back or shoulders— not something you want to be slowed down by when you’re just halfway through a fieldwork research day.

But to be completely honest, I have always admired Apple’s products. Their design, robustness, and premium appeal remain unrivaled. I finally pulled the trigger and switched camps when I got a new laptop last year, helping contribute to the over 28-million Macs sold for 2021. Here’s why I decided to make the switch to Apple, specifically, to a base model Macbook Air M1, despite years of being a PC fanboy.

But what’s being light if it struggles with anything more than a few browser tabs? Luckily, the Macbook Air M1 also has plenty of go underlying its svelte looks.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Battery

Power

Related to being on the field, I needed a laptop that could go untethered from the wall for a long time. You would think that a brawny chip would drain a laptop’s battery in no time flat, but Apple’s silicon is as power-efficient as it is powerful. In practice, it can go a full day’s work with plenty to spare for a movie marathon at night. Its standby time is also wonderful. I have often left it on sleep overnight by just closing the lid, then reopening it the next morning to find the battery percentage virtually untouched. Fast charging further minimizes this laptop’s downtime.

The release of the Apple M1 chip was a game-changer. Moving away from Intel chips, Apple produced its own silicon specifically tuned for its own hardware. Integrating processing cores, graphics cores, neural cores, RAM, SSD controller, and various other components into one system on a chip makes the M1 so much faster and more efficient than anything Apple has used in the past. In application to everyday tasks, it is buttery smooth. Even with multiple tabs open, editing a 4K video, and layouting a 100+ page document, it chugs along with no problem. The M1 chip can go; better yet, it can go for a long time.

Longevity Don’t get me wrong—Apple does not have a monopoly on these aspects of portability, power, battery life, and ease of use. Plenty of Windows machines also have these. However, from experience, I needed to constantly babysit Windows software to maintain performance over the long term. Friends who have Macbooks did not seem to have the same problem, able to use the same device without much housekeeping for years.

Ease of Use With Windows laptops and desktops I have used in the past, I have often needed to edit system settings and do plenty of registry tweaking in order to squeeze as much performance as possible out of the machine. All these before I can freely use the laptop. On the flipside, my experience with the Macbook has been very convenient from day one. Everything just works out of the box, and optimizing performance is just a few clicks away. Features such as Spotlight, Quick Look, Time Machine, and multi-touch gestures are other conveniences that make everything userfriendly. During the times I have to use a Windows machine now, I often end up quickly missing these Mac features.

Pricing Last but certainly not least is the price. Fresh out of college and starting my career, I found Macbooks to be very expensive almost a decade back, costing upwards of PHP65,000 for base model Airs. The 2020 Macbook Air with the M1 chip changed all that. Costing just under PHP55,000, it was priced very competitively and outperformed most similarly priced Windows machines. Sure, you are getting just 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, but that should be enough for years thanks to Apple’s platform optimization and cloud storage.

Oh, and lifting the laptop’s lid with just one finger. So convenient!

June 2022

Employment

6 Reasons Why IT is the Perfect Career Path for Gen Z

efocus PH, an online education technology company provides six reasons why there is a growing demand for IT-related jobs in the Philippines and why new grads, millennials, and career-changeseeking Filipinos should pursue IT as a career path. Most countries worldwide are experiencing digital transformations and employing technological advancements, thus

leading to the increased demand for careers within the digital realm. “Many companies are fighting tooth and nail for IT talents. Some are trying to scrape the barrel in terms of these kinds of talents,” as shared by Philip Gioca, country manager of JobStreet Philippines, when he emphasized the opportunities for IT professionals during one of their events. Along with this, LinkedIn just released a report called Jobs on the Rise 2022

IT AS A FAST-GROWING INDUSTRY

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2020 and 2030, the number of jobs in computer and information technology will grow faster than in any other industry, by at least 13%. The rapid growth of the IT industry means more IT-related career opportunities will be unlocked.

This means that there were never enough IT professionals before the pandemic, and the shortage got worse as most businesses moved online over the past few years.

INNOVATION IS THE WORLD’S DRIVING FORCE

Today, technology has transformed the globe into a tech-driven world, and innovation has become a critical driver of progress and evolution. A recent report by AlphaBeta and Google says that the digital sector of the Philippines’ economy is vital. It means that both private and public organizations will continue to improve their digital transformation efforts with solid support from the government. It is expected to have an effect on net employment by 11%.

As the Asia-Pacific region extensively invests in digitalization, it will have a tremendous impact on the demand for IT professionals. This indicates that employees in this industry are more secure than those in stagnant or declining ones.

The pace of innovation might disrupt other career opportunities, but emerging technologies also create new ways of working and open new avenues in the IT industry. For example, numerous operations performed by workers today have the potential to be automated. But the demand for other career opportunities arises, such as data analyst.

Digital Talent Insights 2022 reveals that Asia will face a 47 million technical specialist shortage by the end of the decade. This increasing demand and low supply of qualified candidates provides Filipinos with the opportunity to pursue careers in the IT industry.

July 2022

that lists the top five jobs that companies in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have been looking for the most over the last five years. IT positions such as data analysts, developers, and cybersecurity specialists are among the most sought-after roles.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Data and analytics are the essential secrets of Netflix in becoming the world’s leading streaming content platform. They hired many data professionals and indicated data scientists in their business areas such as product development, content, membership, studio marketing, and platform development.

The Philippines holds an estimated 10-15% of the world’s market in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and employs 1.3 million Filipinos, according to DTI. Data from BOI PH stated that this industry is predicted to generate a projected increase of 654,000 net new jobs in the IT-BPM sector between 2016 and 2022. The acceleration of this industry opens several opportunities for IT-related careers such as IT technicians, technical support, software developers, and various IT services.

To have access to these opportunities, the trick is to have the proper knowledge to acquire these jobs through upskilling.

HIGH-LEVEL INCOME

Salary is typically a factor to consider when searching for a job to meet one’s basic needs while also providing the means to satisfy wants.

BUSINESSES ARE GOING DIGITAL

The digital transformation has accelerated. This enables more businesses to make use of technology and go digital to ease business processes, improve marketing initiatives, break geographical barriers, and open up new revenue channels through social media, phone apps, or websites. Since the pandemic, the rate at which digitalization is fundamentally altering the business landscape has accelerated drastically.

The good news is that IT-related careers such as computer programmer, systems analyst/systems designer, and call center representative/customer service associate rank among the top ten highest-paying jobs in the Philippines based on the Department of Labor and Employment. It is stated in the JobStreet Philippines Salary Report 2022 that IT professionals can earn an average salary ranging from PHP19,500 to PHP122,500 from entry to C-level. This is way above the average Filipino entry-level salary at PHP16,383 per month based on the data by Indeed.com.

Almost every firm needs IT-focused professionals for technological support, programming, website design, application development, and many more. It is considered the fastest-growing occupation, with a projected growth rate of 13% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. (2022, BLS)

The IT industry is one of the top three industries in terms of having the highest entry-level pay, compared to hospitality and manufacturing at PHP15,500; consumer goods at PHP15,000; and banking and finance at PHP14,600. And by taking online courses to strengthen your skill sets in this field, you can double your income or more.

THE ACCELERATING GROWTH OF IT-BPO INDUSTRIES

It is a stable industry because it has several sub-sectors that are essential components of a business, which indicates that this industry is not going away and one will have work for the foreseeable future. As technology opens up new opportunities for businesses to improve their operations and conduct faster and safer business transactions, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to fill these new roles with individuals who demonstrate the necessary technological knowledge.

THE FIELD FOR THE NEW GENERATION

As reported by Bloomberg, Gen Z — people born between 1997 and 2012 — will represent roughly 32% of the worldwide population this year. Since this generation was raised to be technologically savvy, the Philippines’ digital economy has enormous growth potential (2021, AlphaBeta).

Opportunities in the IT industry are ripe for the taking for those who want to take the plunge! The good news is that Refocus Philippines has your back to get you ready for everything the IT Industry has to offer. To help you set yourself up for success through digital transformation, check out the course offerings and materials of Refocus on their website, visit www.refocus. me.

Gen Z is ultimately the future’s driver, placing emphasis on digital ease — who can excel in adapting to recent technological changes to remain competitive.of the decade. This increasing demand and low supply of qualified candidates provides Filipinos with the opportunity to pursue careers in the IT industry.

July 2022

Enterprise

Words by Maribelle Alba

e used to think of security cameras and surveillance systems as spycraft, often used as part of highly-sophisticated systems to secure government installations, secret R&D facilities, or ultra-modern industrial complexes. Eventually, they have become part of our daily lives, an ubiquitous and even reassuring presence, as communities began deploying closed circuit video cameras and other surveillance devices to monitor traffic flow and life on the streets in general. Now, with more affordable and user-friendly devices, business surveillance systems are now widely accepted and, perhaps, even taken for granted, as corporate executives realize the vital role they play in protecting business assets.

Common hurdles Of course, the decision to set up a corporate surveillance system is not without its challenges, as there are a number of pain points that need to be addressed. Here are some of the usual hurdles: Limited camera support. Despite the ready availability of surveillance devices, traditional network video recorder (NVR) vendors offer limited support for third-party cameras and devices. Updating or replacing existing setups can be a complicated and often difficult process. Low storage scalability. Many NVRs offer limited capacity and are not easily scalable. Thus, when the needs of the business require more disk space, the cost of getting additional storage capacity becomes a hurdle. License and management costs. Video Management System (VMS) software used to monitor multi-sites can be costly, with recurring license fees and additional hardware integration requirements.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

July 2022

Enterprise

A cost-effective solution Corporate security officers looking to adopt an integrated and well-managed business surveillance system need to look at cost-effective solutions that can be scaled according to changing business conditions. Synology’s Surveillance Station offers a comprehensive solution for quick and immediate adoption along with future-proof features that ensure long-term utility. Camera compatibility and device support. There is no need to stick to a single vendor or brand for your devices, as Surveillance Station is compatible with over 8,000 cameras from 150 brands. It integrates ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) Profile S for streaming and Profile G for edge storage. It also supports a wide variety of thirdparty devices like I/O modules, door controllers, IP speakers, POS systems, intercoms, and the like — all of which can be managed and controlled as a whole, integrated environment. This vast camera and device support offered by Surveillance Station frees enterprises from being locked in to specific vendors/ brands, and gives them the flexibility to add new devices to the existing setup. July 2022

Flexible scalability. There is a wide range of Synology NAS and NVR solutions to match all types of needs and budgets, ranging from a simple 2-bay desktop unit to a rackmount server. The NAS product lineup allows enterprises to start small and scale up as their storage needs expand, such as requiring support for more cameras or storage for more recordings. Meanwhile, with Surveillance Station, security officers can customize settings to optimize bandwidth as well as organize footage using the Archive Vault tool.

Central management console. The Surveillance Station Centralized Management System (CMS) is a powerful tool that can manage up to 5,000 cameras and 300 NVRs across multiple locations. It offers a single web portal for managing all recording servers and for viewing footage and recordings. To guard against data loss and other surveillance failures, it also provides failover options for system backups in unexpected situations.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Advanced security options. Sensitive surveillance data are kept safe from malicious attacks and ransomware with advanced security measures that safeguard video feed privacy. Security options prevent unauthorized video use. For instance, access levels and privilege settings can be configured depending on the individual’s security clearance, or dual authorization may be required for sensitive functions. Video streams from IP cameras can be encrypted, sensitive areas can be masked, and live feeds can be watermarked to ensure the integrity of recordings. Further, there is 24/7 system logging so all operational activities are recorded for future reference.

as well as playback video recordings from up to 6 cameras simultaneously. This mobile surveillance solution is added peace of mind — in your pocket.

Mobile monitoring. You get surveillance on the go through the Synology DS cam app, the mobile extension of Surveillance Station. This lets you monitor livestreams

Surveillance Station 9.0 The latest iteration of Synology’s surveillance solution is Surveillance Station 9.0, its most comprehensive and

Client trust. Synology is the solution of choice by a number of leading enterprises that require a total surveillance solution. Among these are hotels, casinos, and universities, which typically require monitoring of high-traffic as well as multi-level, multilocation premises. Some of the local clients who have entrusted their system to Synology are ABS-CBN, the Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, and the Lyceum of the Philippines University.

advanced surveillance suite to date. Its refreshed interface is flexible and can be customized to fit any deployment. Centralized management options make it easy to keep the system updated. You can quickly find and add cameras even from multiple locations, then easily monitor the video feeds by simply dragging, dropping, resizing, and even swapping the feeds on your dashboard. Surveillance Station 9.0 is simply much better, with supercharged monitoring, simpler deployment options, and expanded AI-powered capabilities. Choosing the right solution is key to securing your business with an effective and efficient surveillance system. Get in touch with a Synology consultant to help you find the NAS or NVR that best suits your requirements.

“Synology’s Surveillance Station offers a comprehensive solution for quick and immediate adoption along with future-proof features that ensure long-term utility.” 91

July 2022

Enterprise

Google MSME Caravan More than 100,000 small biz owners and staff trained

oogle announced that its digital skilling program MSME Caravan has successfully trained more than 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) owners and employees. In partnership with several stakeholders including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), MSME Caravan is a local Grow with Google program which aims to train small entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses using digital tools such as Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) and Primer app alongside access to experts. The program started even before the pandemic and Google continued it through virtual events to help MSMEs acquire digital skills so they can pivot during a critical time. July 2022

“Google believes that digital adoption is critical for any business to succeed. When the pandemic hit, going online became an imperative so we strove to digitize as many small enterprises as possible. With the impact of MSME Caravan reaching more than a hundred thousand trainees, we’re deeply grateful to our partners including the Department of Trade and Industry who made this possible with us. We hope that this program will create a ripple effect and help more small business owners reap the benefits of our growing digital economy,” said Bernadette Nacario, country director of Google Philippines. “MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy and helping them thrive online is part of the mission of

DTI. We’re glad to partner with Google and we hope that our joint digital upskilling program will continue to help and lead more MSMEs towards economic recovery,” said Ramon Lopez, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. Deepening local partnerships helped Google in reaching small business owners nationwide Google and DTI created an 8-week webinar series called MSME Caravan Mondays featuring modules related to digitizing businesses such as insighting, Ads101, analytics, eCommerce, and more. Similarly, partnerships with telcos Converge and Globe allowed Google gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Entrepreneur Gerome Panlilio of Germano’s Chilli is one of the early trainees of Google’s digital skilling program for small business owners. The digital skills and knowledge he acquired from the program played a crucial role in sustaining his operations during the height of the pandemic.

to curate digital workshops featuring Filipino entrepreneurs not only to discuss digital tools and negosyo tips, but to inspire and give them hope in navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic. Among those who benefited from Google’s skilling program is Gerome Panlilio of Germano’s Chilli, a bottled chili garlic business. When Gerome started in 2008, he struggled to create brand awareness with limited sales channels such as bazaars. After attending Google’s training workshops in 2018 and again in 2021, he was able to make use of Google Business Profile to put his business on both Google Search and Maps and bring customers directly to his online store.

pandemic which allowed us to continue selling online,” said Gerome Panlilio. From 2021 to 2022, Gerome’s online sales have grown by 90%. Now, not only does Germano’s Chilli sell well locally through local supermarkets, he is now working on bringing his products to the U.S. through a major Filipino retail supermarket.

“Going online has helped my business immensely. It also taught me how to create a resilient business model that is ready to address challenges like the pandemic,” Panlilio added.

“Through helpful tools such as Google Search and Maps, I was able to gain brand awareness that turned into more sales. The seminars also taught us how to adapt and pivot during the

July 2022

Cyber Security

New Assessment Tool Helps SMBs Gauge Cybersecurity Preparedness

isco has launched a new cybersecurity assessment tool to enable small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the Philippines to better understand their overall security posture. Cybersecurity has become a key focus area for organizations as they embrace hybrid work, allowing employees to securely work from anywhere and through various devices. This has expanded the attack surface and increased cybersecurity risks beyond the perimeters that companies have traditionally built to protect the business.

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The new online assessment tool assesses the “cybersecurity readiness” of each organization through the lens of “Zero Trust,” the concept that all attempts to access an organization’s network architecture are not granted until trust can be verified. When a user accesses an application using a device, both the user and device are verified, with that trust continuously monitored. This helps secure the organization’s applications and environments, from any user, device, and location.

operations and loss of revenue to negative impact on the organization’s reputation. The mass shift to hybrid working, triggered by the pandemic, has led to a sizable proportion of employees connecting to organizations’ networks and accessing information from outside the office, with many using personal devices to do so. According to Filipino SMBs surveyed for the study, unsecured laptops, targeted attacks by malicious actors, and the use of personal devices are among the top threats to their overall security.

ecurity for SMBs: cific Businesses for Digital Defense

The tool assesses the organization’s cybersecurity risks and are investing level of maturity in six areas of Zero “Greater adoption of technology also more to better prepare for cyber Trust, namely: (1) User and Identity, means greater exposure to cybersecurity incidents. According to Cisco’s (2) Device, (3) Networks, (4) Workload today due to an expanded in two(applications), SMBs in (5) Asia Of those SMBs that experienced a vulnerabilities Cybersecurity for SMBs: Asia Pacific Data, and (6) Security attack surface. As Filipino SMBs fferedOperations. a cyberOnce incident incident, 85% wereDefense affected by Prepare for Digital the organization cyber Businesses accelerate their digitalization journeys study, more than 8 in 10 (82%) of SMBs enters details of its security capabilities to deliver next-generation applications r. malware in the past year. in the Philippines said they are more and policies, the tool assesses the overall and innovations in a hybrid work new security posture of the organization based concerned about cybersecurity today normal, ensuring that their organization than they were 12 months ago — the on 56% industry and sector benchmarks. is protected on all fronts will continue to highest compared to other countries be top-of-mind,” said Zaza Soriano Nicart, 65% surveyed in ASEAN. It generates a bespoke report for each managing director of Cisco Philippines. 42% organization indicating their level of 43% The study also revealed that more than maturity, challenges, and opportunities “As a first step to adopting this strategy, 74% half (57%) of SMBs across the Philippines in each of the six areas of Zero Trust. SMBs can use Cisco’s new online 33% suffered a cyber incident in the last 12 Where applicable, it offers tailored assessment tool aimed at helping Malware Phishing DNS tunneling Denial of service 37% attack attack months. Over a quarter (28%) said that recommendations on the technologies businesses improve their resilience by 50% these cyber incidents cost their business and solutions74% that can help strengthen providing a better understanding of more than US$500,000. The number one the 57% organization’s overall security posture their cybersecurity preparedness, and reason highlighted as the cause of these and preparedness in a hybrid work the opportunities and gaps that require 40% incidents was cybersecurity solutions environment. attention,” she added. 33% not being adequate to detect or prevent 59% the attack. These attacks have tangible SMBs in65% Philippines are becoming Check out the assessment tool through impact on SMBs — from disruption in increasingly educated about current this link: www.cisco.com/go/ztat 59% SQL injection Man-in-the-middle attack Zero day exploit

85%

62%

70%

68%

61%

64%

60%

“As Filipino SMBs accelerate their digitalization ne reason Asia journeys to deliver next-generation applications and ttributed as ese incidents innovations inranked a hybrid work new normal, ensuring it as #1 reason for suffering a cyber security that their organization is protected on all incident inadequate to fronts will continue to be top-of-mind.” ent the attack.

39%

July 2022

FinTech

ALIBABA CLOUD FINTECH ONE PROGRAM

INITIATIVE BOOSTS LOCAL COMPANIES’ ACCESS TO CLOUD COMPUTING AND FINTECH TECHNOLOGIES July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

libaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, announced a new fintech support program during its Fintech Summit 2022 to further support the digital transformation journeys of finance companies in the Philippines. The Fintech ONE program will offer participating fintech companies in the Philippines easy access to advanced cloud technologies, free technical training and professional consultations. Each eligible company will receive up to USD10,000 in cloud coupons which can be redeemed against Alibaba Cloud products and services as well as support from Alibaba Group’s ecosystem.

Alibaba Cloud Fintech Summit 2022

“We see the role of being a trusted cloud service provider as helping fintech companies deliver products and services that operate seamlessly and reliably for their end-users. By leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s IT infrastructure and innovative fintech products, digital financial services can reach more of the country’s unbanked Filipinos,” said Allen Guo, country manager for the Philippines, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

Eligible companies will benefit from streamlined access to technology solutions from Alibaba Group’s ecosystem and its affiliated company Ant Group - including those that facilitate e-commerce and payment processes - to help participating companies maximize emerging opportunities in the Philippines. Alibaba Cloud will also assist fintech companies in engaging with local and global investors and accelerators to help grow their businesses.

As the leading public cloud service provider in Asia Pacific, Alibaba Cloud offers its expertise in cloud technology to provide appropriate products, including elastic compute, database, security, storage and network services, and machine learning and data analytics capabilities, to address issues and challenges in the sector. It works with various fintech players including GCash and UBX.

In line with local government’s favorable policies to support the fintech industry, Alibaba Cloud’s Fintech ONE program aims to speed up the digital transformation of businesses via secure, reliable, and scalable cloud solutions, while helping boost financial inclusion in the country.

Alibaba Cloud provides a mix of fintech solutions to GCash to handle large volumes of digital transactions with minimal interruption and high-cost efficiency. For Mark Frogoso, GCash’s Chief Information Security Officer, its partnership with Alibaba Cloud showed its true value when the pandemic disrupted the global economy.

“Through digitalization, consumers will enjoy financial products that are convenient, affordable, and fit for purpose. It will also help financial institution broaden their client base and improve their operational efficiency,” said Benjamin Diokno, Governor of the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, during the summit.

“We became a lifeline to many Filipinos and our active users and transactions increased tremendously as people sought new ways to transact. With Alibaba Cloud’s solutions, we have been able to keep pace with customer growth, while ensuring that we provide them with an optimum service,” Frogoso said.

“Alibaba Cloud is excited to witness what the future holds for the digital industry and particularly the fintech sector in the Philippines. We are already seeing transformation and strong expansion in these areas, and we aim to further stimulate this through initiatives like the Fintech One program,” said Leo Liu, general manager of the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau SAR, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

For UBX, Alibaba Cloud provides an Electronic KnowYour-Customer (eKYC) solution designed to help boost their efficiency and security through digitalising the identity verification process. “With Alibaba Cloud’s eKYC solution now in our open finance platform xpanse, developers can easily integrate cutting-edge technology towards their products and services through a single API integration,” said UBX president and CEO John Januszczak.

Earlier this year, Alibaba Cloud launched a FinTech Industry Sandbox Program in partnership with the Philippines’ FinTech Alliance.ph. The program enables local financial businesses to explore the use of advanced cloud computing products and fintech services from Alibaba Cloud in a risk-free testing environment.

July 2022

Green

July 2022

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report reinforces these findings, stating that cities are areas of concentrated risk to climate change with losses due to infrastructure damage and disruption in services and affected supply chains already occurring. Cities are also areas where opportunities for delivering urgent climate action abound.

Bogotá, Colombia, and Lund, Sweden were selected as the OPCC Global Winners which saw a total of 280 cities participating from 50 countries. As the Philippines’ National Winner, Dipolog City representatives were able to attend the OPCC Global Awarding Ceremony in Helsingborg, Sweden, personally last June 2 to receive their award.

Cities are also key contributors to climate change, as urban activities are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. An estimated 75% of global CO2 emissions are from cities, with transport and buildings among the most significant contributors.

Dipolog city was commended by the international jury of the OPCC Core Team in Sweden for its bold emissions reduction plan, which is aligned with science-based targets needed to keep global warming within 1.5°C. Dipolog has reported innovative and impactful action plans that will help achieve these targets and bring longterm co-benefits.

However, some cities have started to use renewable energy sources, implement regulations to limit industrial emissions, and institute energy efficiency measures. Many have undertaken climate actions to increase their city’s resilience with its residents and businesses adapting to the changing climate. Others have also enforced laws that help to restore and preserve the environment.

The cities were measured against rigorous criteria that included: ambitious climate targets, bold leadership, ability to meet upcoming challenges, and a holistic climate action plan that is well balanced towards their goals. One Planet City Challenge is a friendly global competition initiated by WWF to recognize cities for their climate actions and ambitions and assess whether they align with the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement in limiting climate change to 1.5 °C.

One Planet Cities project manager for WWFPhilippines Imee Bellen hopes that more Philippine cities will participate in OPCC in the future. “This is an example that shows OPCC is not about being the most advanced city, but it’s about how holistic the local governments plan for their cities towards low-carbon development,” she said.

Since its inception 10 years ago, close to 600 cities from 53 countries on 5 continents have already participated in this challenge. Dipolog, Quezon, and Davao Cities were the national finalists in the Philippines. Other cities that were included in the country’s roster of qualifiers for OPCC 2021-2022 were Baguio, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Legazpi, Makati, Ormoc, Pasig, San Carlos, San Fernando (La Union), Santa Rosa, Tagum, Zamboanga and Vigan.

Atty. Angela Ibay, head of the Climate and Energy Programme of WWF-Philippines, encouraged citizens to help their cities boost their capacity to respond to the climate crisis, saying: “The cities’ plans would not come to life if it wasn’t for the collective action of its residents. However, we as individuals can still make a difference on our own. Even the most trivial habits, such as reducing energy consumption, can have a long-lasting impact on the community and nature.”

“As highlighted in the recently released IPCC AR6 reports, cities play a key role in avoiding the most severe impacts of global warming,” said Marco Lambertini, directorgeneral of WWF International. “Bogotá and Lund are two inspiring examples of how dedicated local governments from very different contexts can drive the transition toward more liveable and sustainable cities. For the world over, both cities are showing others what can be achieved!”

Winners and finalists of this year’s OPCC are also eligible to participate in We Love Cities (WLC) by September 2022. WLC is a WWF campaign interwoven with the OPCC which aims to provide a platform for the citizens to give suggestions for improvement that city leaders can consider in their climate action planning process and sustainable development.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, climate change directly impacts cities and urban life. Increasing global temperatures result in rising sea levels and more extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and storms, particularly affecting coastal communities. Further, increases in the spread of vectorborne and water-borne diseases and heat-related illnesses have affected urban populations as global temperatures increase.

For more information and updates about One Planet City Challenge, visit http://panda.org/opcc.

July 2022

Green

July 2022

100

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

101

July 2022

Home

FAST HUB

THIS IS WHAT A SMART HOME LOOKS LIKE July 2022

102

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

magine having a fully connected smart home where you can control all your home and personal devices — from health gadgets to home security — in just one app.

friends from around the world. While all of these can now be done with a decently fast internet connection, imagine all the possibilities if you have 10,000Mbps at your disposal.

You can control your thermostat from your phone remotely or at home, stream movies and music while your robot vacuum cleaner does its work, you can work on your small business while you and your spouse work remote, and in the next room the kids are playing video games with

Internet speeds of up to 10,000Mbps puts the Philippines in the same league as many first-world countries, where smart homes are becoming the norm. Leading telecommunications provider PLDT Home has made this a reality for Filipino homes — right here, right now.

Play stronger and lag-free because, with 10,000Mbps, you have the power to excel in every game, stream, connect with and grow your fanbase — all these you can do simultaneously. The Smart Work/Gaming Station enables families to do things better without worrying about heavy bandwidth usage for each device and zero latency. Suit up and set up your VR headsets and experience a totally immersive experience like never before.

FAST Hub To enable people to fully experience and appreciate the fastest available 10,000Mbps internet speed in the Philippines, PLDT Home introduces the FAST (Fiber Accelerated Speed Tech) Hub. FAST Hub is a visual representation of everything 10,000Mbps can offer. Here, you can experience what it’s like to have a hyper-fast home internet connection across two rooms: the Living Room, Office, and Gaming Areas.

Work faster and more efficiently through virtual meetings or lectures, while multitasking in your home-based business, or editing, rendering, and uploading your next trending video, while beefing up your home security devices — all working simultaneously, without worrying about bandwidth or dropped connection.

Make your home smarter: control the lights, electronics, security, and all your gadgets using your phone and your ultra-fast connection. And the best part is with such a connection, you can program your smart home to handle complex routines. Imagine at 6 am, you can automatically start coffee with your smart coffee maker and turn on the lights, then have the robo-vacuum start doing its thing at 6:15 am, among others–and have your smart home work like a well-oiled machine while you’re still waking up and getting your bearings.

Imagine being able to download and upload massive files in seconds–that’s the reality of having 10,000 Mbps. You can also scale your home business because you have enough bandwidth to power a small office with multiple heavy users. No more prioritization or workarounds because with such a connection, every member of the household can do their thing without worrying if they’re slowing down the connection for everyone else.

Level up your entertainment and gear up for a totally immersive binge-watching experience at your home theater/entertainment system because having ultra-fast speeds means you can watch your favorite shows in 4K and even 8K. Enjoy actual cinema-quality graphics and sound while you sit down and relax with your favorite movie snacks.

Want to know more about how to set up your own smart home? Visit PLDT Home’s Next Upgrade YouTube channel to get you started. Interested to experience the ultra-fast speeds of a 10,000 Mbps connection? Fill out the online form at www. pldthome.com/10000mbps.

103

July 2022

Active Lifestyle

EARN WHILE YOU MOVE

hen it comes to getting fit and achieving overall wellness, running is one of the best and easiest activities you can get into. You only need a pair of running shoes, your legs, and a lot of motivation to get started reaping a plethora of health benefits such as relieving stress, enabling weight loss, strengthening joints, and so much more. But what if aside from the obvious health rewards, there was an app that can help you monetize your passion for running? This is exactly what the up-and-coming playto-earn lifestyle app STEPN offers. It leverages the power of blockchain technology to let players earn while they run or move.

So what is STEPN exactly? STEPN is a Web3/blockchain-based lifestyle app, which means it incorporates blockchain technology for the decentralized transfer of information and assets. It makes it possible for the game to use non-fungible tokens or NFTs, which are unique tokens that cannot be replicated. For many blockchain-based play-to-earn games such as STEPN, NFTs act as tokens that can later be traded for cryptocurrencies. The game was launched in December 2021.

July 2022

104

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

How the app works

STEPN’s rising popularity Many in the running world have already acknowledged the game’s potential to change running forever. In April, STEPN even announced it joined forces with global running shoe brand Asics to release a collection of limited edition STEPN Asics sneaker NFTs. The collection gained more than 95,000 participants and subscribed tickets from the STEPN community. The collection’s trading volume exceeded USD10 million and maintained a floor price of USD3,000.

To get started, players need to download the STEPN app through the Apple App Store or Google Play to begin playing. After signing up and creating a wallet for the application, users will need to buy an NFT sneaker from the inapp marketplace that fits their activity type: the options are Walk, Run, Jog, or Train. Players can pay for the NFT sneaker using SOL, the native cryptocurrency token of the increasingly popular Solana blockchain. STEPN is also built on the Solana blockchain.

Indeed, STEPN has gained a large amount of attention ever since its launch just last year. The game is credited with presenting a new way for people to get fit while combining the best the worlds of blockchain and NFTs have to offer.

These NFT sneakers are what the STEPN app uses to disburse the player’s earnings. Different sneakers will require different levels of activity, and have different stats for efficiency which determines the rate of earnings. Owning a sneaker NFT will allot a player with 2 Energy points per day, and more energy points can be added once a player owns more than three sneakers, allowing for more run time and consequently, more earnings.

The good news is that it’s easier than ever for Filipinos to begin playing STEPN. For example, SOL is already available on PDAX, the leading homegrown crypto exchange in the Philippines. Through PDAX, Filipino STEPN players can also easily convert their pesos to SOL and purchase an NFT sneaker. All users need to do is download the app, create an account, and cash-in to begin buying, selling, and trading crypto. The locally-based exchange allows users to cash-in using 7-Eleven/CLiQQ machines, DragonPay, ECPay, GCash, PayMaya, or through online bank transfers. Cash-outs from PDAX are also done through popular outlets such as InstaPay, PayMaya, PESONet, and more. You can download the PDAX app through the Apple App Store and Google Play to purchase the SOL you need.

Once a player’s sneakers are set, all they have to do is begin moving. The app’s GPS will track a player’s movement and reward him/her for successfully maintaining the required pace of the type of sneaker they’re wearing. Depending on the type of sneaker you get, one unit of Energy can earn you varying levels of GST, which is STEPN’s in-game token. A Walktype sneaker that requires movement of just 1-6 kilometers an hour can earn you up to 4 GST tokens per Energy, while a Runner-type sneaker that requires movement of 8-20 kilometers an hour can earn you up to 6 GST tokens per Energy. As of writing, one GST is worth approximately PHP30.

With STEPN, there’s more incentive than ever to get active and fit. In fact, there already is an active community of Filipino STEPN runners, boasting an ever-expanding number of 4,000+ members in one Facebook group alone.

STEPN users will also be able to collect another token called GMT in future updates. GMT is the game’s governance token which may be eventually earned by leveling up your NFT sneaker, halving events, and/or random daily distribution. Both GST and GMT can then be traded for other cryptocurrencies such as SOL or even fiat currencies—enabling players to literally earn as they run.

As STEPN expands in popularity and develops gameplay even further, there’s more incentive than ever to lace up your running shoes and get moving. With the possibility of earning combined with the health benefits that come with running, it’s certainly a win-win for every runner out there.

DISCLAIMER: The statements in this article do not constitute financial advice. PDAX does not guarantee the technical and financial integrity of the digital asset and its ecosystem. Any and all trading involving the digital asset is subject to the user’s risk and discretion and must be done after adequate and in-depth research and analysis.

105

July 2022

Newsbytes

BAYAD ASENSO OFFERS EXTRA INCOME FOR MICROENTREPRENEURS AND SARI-SARI STORE OPERATORS

CIS Bayad Center Inc., the biggest multi-channel payment platform in the Philippines, is introducing an easy-touse software solution that will increase the income potential of microentrepreneurs, who account for nine in every 10 businessmen, including sarisari stores owners in the country. Called Bayad Asenso, it is a featured service within the Bayad App that empowers fledgling entrepreneurs to offer customers safe and convenient access to payment services, especially in areas where financial institutions and payment centers for utilities and other services are not easily accessible. Bayad, a wholly-owned unit of Manila Electric Co., owns the Bayad App, July 2022

an all-in-one pera transaction app available on Google Play and the App Store. “We are providing tens of thousands of Filipino entrepreneurs the opportunity to earn more through an easy-to-use app interface and platform, and an affordable business package to become agents of Bayad to help facilitate bill payments, remittances, electronic wallet loading and other financial services needed by Filipinos,” said Bayad president and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer. “The requirements are simple. The prospective agent just needs to have an existing business with a storefront and owns a smartphone that has

106

internet access,” Ferrer added. For sari-sari store operators, Bayad will not require any minimum capital to make it easier for these small shop owners to become agents of the company. Bayad Agents are offered multiple funding options for their wallet, account management, reports and transaction history, customer support, QR payment, and rewards all backed up by the pioneer and authority in outsourced payment collection service in the Philippines. Bayad has a digital footprint of nearly 104 million, accepts over 450 brands, and processes more than 10 million bills payments every month. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

CONVERGE XCLSV OFFERS PERSONALIZED AND PREMIUM CUSTOMER SERVICE Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is leveling up its lineup with the firstever personalized plan for a more meaningful and efficient human connection with its customers. This top-tier and premium service is committed to offering a hassle-free experience through personalized customer service and exclusive benefits only for Converge XCLSV (Exclusive) subscribers. Soon, new and existing Converge subscribers can get their hands on the brand’s premium customer service experience. There is no better indication of a company that cares for its customers than one that prioritizes connection and provides excellent customer service. With 15 years in the industry, Converge steps up its game with a better experience for

what customers can expect from their internet plans. With Converge XCLSV, customers who choose to upgrade to this service get a prioritized and hyper-personalized service. More than just the connectivity, XCLSV subscribers can also look forward to a customer support representative who can address concerns through direct email and dedicated phone lines exclusive only to them.

Stay tuned for more details and first dibs on the premium customer service exclusively for Converge XCLSV subscribers by following Converge on Facebook. For existing FiberX plans, check out https://www. convergeict.com/fiberx/ to find the right fiber internet plan for you.

All part of the company’s overarching goal of letting Filipinos #ExperienceBetter, the upcoming Converge XCLSV fiber internet plan will allow even more customers to receive not only strong and consistent internet connectivity but also unparalleled support through hyper-personalized customer service.

107

July 2022

Newsbytes

IGNITE-BACKED QUICKSILVER SATCOM VENTURES AIMS TO PROVIDE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY TO UNDERSERVED AREAS IN THE PHILIPPINES With around a quarter of the Philippine population still yet to experience internet connectivity, local tech startup Quicksilver Satcom Ventures — funded by social impact venture capital fund Ignite Impact Fund — seeks to increase internet penetration in far-flung and underserved areas in the country through the use of satellite technology. Endorsed by the Philippine national government as a satellite provider, Quicksilver styles itself as a “boutique connectivity firm” that utilizes various connectivity solutions depending on what a certain geographical area requires. “One of the key essential infrastructure components or any sort of economic development or investment management outside urban areas has to do with connectivity, which is why we started Quicksilver years ago,” said Vinci Roxas, director at Quicksilver. Quicksilver believes that establishing basic connectivity in far-flung rural areas, which is especially challenging due to the Philippines’ archipelagic nature, is a major step in providing underserved communities with more advanced necessities, which can make

(L-R) Maoi Arroyo, Principal/Founder, Ignite and Vinci Roxas, Director, Quicksilver

July 2022

their lives easier. Its mission is to work with local governments as well as private clients to set up service areas, and then help leverage internet connectivity into greater economic development. “Once you set up connectivity, you can do online banking, microfinance, and ecommerce,” said Roxas. “The local businesses can connect to the local economy, and then you can do things like imports and exports. It’s connectivity as an enabler for economic development.” One such example of an early Quicksilver installation is the establishment of internet services in a leading microfinance company’s school in San Pablo, Laguna. With the company’s help, the school managed to enjoy consistent internet that helped them digitize their operations, power remote online learning sessions, and

108

remote consultations for clinics that benefited many people in the city. Quicksilver’s potential economic benefit attracted Ignite, as its goals were in line with the venture capital fund’s own social impact targets of eliminating extreme poverty in the Philippines. “Well into the 21st century, the world has recognized a good internet connection as a basic human right. Quicksilver’s goals of providing not only free and accessible but also consistent and reliable internet connectivity goes a long way toward alleviating poverty among the poorest of Filipinos,” said Maoi Arroyo, Ignite co-founder. Ignite has currently invested in a wide variety of startups and business ideas that make meaningful social and environmental impacts in the Philippines. For more information on Ignite Impact Fund and its ventures, visit the website https://igniteimpact.fund. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

MAYA MAKES LALAMOVE DELIVERIES MORE CONVENIENT AND REWARDING Booking your deliveries with the ondemand logistics platform, Lalamove, is now made more convenient and rewarding with the all-in-one money app Maya.

We’re happy to work with Lalamove in bringing this added convenience to customers,” said Maya head for enterprise business and sales Mar Lazaro.

Lalamove users can enjoy a seamless and hassle-free way of adding funds to their Lalamove wallet with Maya. This option is on top of using their Maya virtual and physical Visa and MasterCard for Lalamove payments before booking their deliveries.

For her part, Dannah Majarocon, managing director of Lalamove Philippines, said: “We continue our goal of promoting safe contactless deliveries through digital payments. Including Maya as a payment option will bring cashless convenience to more Filipinos, allowing consumers to maximize Lalamove’s fast, reliable, and affordable services.”

“Providing the best cashless experience to Filipinos is our goal, and this includes being able to easily and securely add funds in their Lalamove wallet with their Maya account.

With this new initiative, topping up the Lalamove wallet with Maya is

109

simple. Lalamove wallet users just need to: • Open the Lalamove app and tap the hamburger button on the upper left corner of the home page. • Choose Wallet. • Tap the “+Top Up” button and select the amount you wish to add to your Lalamove Wallet. • Proceed by tapping the Top Up button, choose the Credit or Debit card, and the Maya button. • Choose “PayMaya wallet,” then log in your Maya account details. • Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number and proceed with your topup transaction.

July 2022

Newsbytes

MASTERCARD REFRESHES WORLD AND WORLD ELITE CARD PROGRAMS Mastercard announced the enhanced World and World Elite card programs, providing affluent consumers in the Philippines and other markets in Southeast Asia a range of rewards, lifestyle privileges, and experiences at home and away. The card programs also provide an additional security layer with Mastercard ID Theft ProtectionTM that allows cardholders to proactively monitor and be alerted to instances of identity fra According to Mastercard’s inaugural experience survey conducted in 2021, the pandemic drove people to redefine their expectations, leading them to focus more on self-care, such as prioritizing mental wellbeing (85%), emotional wellbeing (83%), and physical wellbeing (83%) to help them feel uplifted and build better connections with others. With people in the Philippines increasingly focusing on health & wellbeing, the enhanced Mastercard World and World Elite card programs will July 2022

provide consumers access to a range of experiences, benefits, and services across those focal points that will allow them to get the most out of life. As the propensity for consumers to shop, live, and spend digitally increases, Mastercard has entered new partnerships to deliver offers with relevant merchants and categories. Cardholders can make the most of benefits like Centr: By Chris Hemsworth, a personalized digital health and fitness program to meet their wellness goals. Eligible World Elite cardholders are also entitled to complimentary unlimited Doctor Chat, Teleconsultation, and medicine delivery provided by Allianz Partners and MyDoc. World Elite cardholders will also enjoy complimentary green fees at up to 74 premium golf clubs worldwide and 50% discounted green fees at 42 premium golf clubs in Asia for World cardholders.

110

As borders begin to reopen across Southeast Asia and consumers look for staycations or international trips, the World and World Elite card programs provide airport lounge access and limousine services*, as well as curated travel offers with up to 12% off on attractions and tours booked through Klook, and 20% off accommodation booked through Agoda. *World and World Elite cardholders should check with their issuing banks on the specific benefits available. “Today’s consumers perceive health & wellness through a much broader and more sophisticated lens that encompasses not just fitness and nutrition but also overall physical and mental wellbeing. Mastercard is pleased to offer a world of special privileges that will help cardholders enjoy more of what matters to them,” said Simon Calasanz, country manager, Philippines, Mastercard.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

AFFORDABLE MOTORCYCLE FINANCING FOR FOODPANDA PARTNER RIDERS

(L-R): AgriBank credit head Jeffrey Jaramillo, AgriBank marketing head Ruchell Salas, AgriBank loans & asset management head Marc Lawrence Fernandez, foodpanda operations director Patricia Jacinto, foodpanda senior operations manager Ron Sanders, and Agribank credit enhancement head Nina Lagroma

As more and more people embrace online food delivery services, supporting the gig economy players in this thriving sector becomes even more relevant. To help address the needs of its partner riders, leading online q-commerce platform foodpanda recently formed a partnership with Agribank, one of the country’s leading rural banking institutions, to provide accessible and flexible motorcycle loan options for their partner rider fleet.

the country’s gig economy,” said Patricia Jacinto, operations director of foodpanda Philippines. “For us at foodpanda, we want to be known not just as a delivery platform that provides livelihood opportunities to Filipinos, but also one that puts the welfare of its partner riders as a priority — such as offering competitive benefits to them.”

Through this joint venture, Ka-Panda partner riders can now avail of motorcycle units from a wide range of motorcycle brands and enjoy low monthly installments with exclusive discounts. Additionally, riders can easily apply for a motorcycle loan through AgriBank’s online portal without going through the tedious manual process.

“We are glad to be working with foodpanda in this project that will benefit and create an impact in improving the lives of their riders,” Agribank president Danny Boy Antonio said. “We have also made our deposit products available to these partner riders as part of our advocacy to serve the unbanked market so they can place their hard-earned money in a Savings Account that will help them advance their financial goals in the future.”

“The collaboration is definitely one that will elevate the game in

Sharing AgriBank’s goal of financial inclusion for all, Jacinto explained

111

that “with this program, [riders] no longer need to show a paystub or go through a stringent process, which is often the case when applying for a motorcycle loan.” Antonio also shared that they are looking forward to embarking on more activities with foodpanda which they can work on together moving forward.

July 2022

Relic

DRIVE-IN THEATER Words by Jose Alvarez

July 2022

112

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

` f k b j q^ f=` bhq

s fm

MN O P Q R

ome people consider the Ford Model T and movies the two greatest inventions of the 20th century. You can go wherever you want to go, and American society was largely built on the backs of the car and interstate highway system in the 20th century. Movies provided an escape from reality and created a new art form where actors, directors, and producers pushed the boundaries of creativity. Why not join the two in one convenient space—the drive-in theater?

with children being able to see a movie without having to hire a babysitter. Other luxuries were included, such as swimming pools, miniature golf courses, and even motels facing the giant screens. In the 1950s, this led to drive-in theaters having a reputation for immoral behavior, with some labeling them “passion pits.” The 1978 movie Grease portrayed a local drive-in theater as a spot for romance and other trysts. Despite this, drive-in theater owners began to offer more and more unusual attractions such as petting zoos and even appearances by actors who attended opening nights of their own movies. To show how far drive-in theater owners would go, the largest drive-in theater could park 2,500 vehicles, had a full-service restaurant with seating on its roof, a trolley system, and even a large indoor theater to accommodate those who preferred air conditioning or in cases of bad weather.

The first drive-in theater, the Theatre de Guadalupe, was opened in Las Cruces, New Mexico in April 1915. The Ford Model T was becoming the car of choice, and the controversial movie The Birth of a Nation had just arrived in theaters. The theater could accommodate cars as well as people. “Seven hundred people may be comfortably seated in the auditorium. Automobile entrances and places for 40 or more cars within the theater grounds and in-line position to see the pictures and witness all performances on the stage is a feature of the place that will please car owners,” the local paper said at the time. However, this drive-in theater only lasted a little over a year, closing in July 1916.

Improvements in home entertainment started to hit the drive-in theater business in the late 1960s and 1970s as more and more homes had television, cable TV, VCRs, and video rentals. One of the major drawbacks to drive-in theaters was that they could only be shown at twilight or at night, usually in rural areas away from cities. Nature was also a big factor—inclement weather could easily cancel showings or reduce attendance. Despite weathering the Great Depression, the stagflation events of the late 1970s and early 1980s increased the cost of operating drive-in theaters, and many either operated only on weekends or only during the spring and summer. Some had even converted these drive-in theaters to flea markets, storage, or other commercial uses such as shopping malls and stadiums.

By 1921, Claude V. Caver of Comanche, Texas, opened a fully outdoor drive-in theater, screening silent films at the time. Drive-in theaters, or “outdoor movies” became a novel concept in the Roaring Twenties, but due to logistical reasons, never really took off. Another try was made in New Jersey at the height of the Great Depression. Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr. actually patented the drive-in theater, making improvements such as placing a projector on the hood of his car and allowing each car to have its own ramp so that they could view the screen. Hollingshead was given U.S. Patent 1,909,537 in 1933, opening the first fully outdoor drive-in theater in June 1933. It could hold 400 cars and had a 40’ by 50’ screen. Hollingshead also used a bit of marketing flair to attract people to the theater. “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are,” he said. Hollingshead sold the theater in 1936, but the idea of the drive-in theater started to catch fire in the middle despite the hard times in the 1930s. In 1934, drive-in theaters operated on both the East and West Coast. There were sound issues early on, but it provided a form of entertainment between the two World Wars. By 1941, drive-in theaters even had amenities such as free admission for children and playgrounds. After World War II, the economic expansion included rising car ownership and, of course, the baby boom. This led to a golden age for drive-in theaters, namely because the cost of setting one up was much cheaper than a traditional indoor theater. They also became ideal because of youth bringing their dates to these venues, as well as adults

By the 1990s, the “retro” style was in in America, and the drive-in theater made a brief comeback. However, only 500 remained around 2006, and the Great Recession put to bed any sort of revival of drive-in theaters, although they still continue to operate to this day. Conversion to digital projection also made drive-in theaters cost prohibitive. The COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered many traditional indoor theaters, gave new life to drive-in theaters because of the ability to socially distance and being located outdoors, since indoor theaters posed a huge risk in contracting and spreading COVID-19. While the drive-in theater concept isn’t dead, it is now often seen as a nostalgic venue for those who want to relive its peak from the 1940s to 1960s. In fact, two drivein theaters opened in the Philippines in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. One was located near SM City Pampanga and another on SM Mall of Asia’s concert grounds. This strange marriage of automobiles and movie theaters was definitely an innovation that had pushed leisure past previous limits.

113

July 2022

Volume XXII Issue X

July 2022

MEET THE TEAM EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief MARIBELLE ALBA Editors-at-Large PRESY ALBA REN ALCANTARA Mobility Consultant ARNEL DORIA Editor GABRIEL PE Writers/Contributors FRANCESKA AGUILA JOSE ALVAREZ RACINE ANNE CASTRO CHRIS NOEL HIDALGO ANNE ROMERO JEWEL STA. ANA

You want more? We recommend you check out our other issues

CREATIVES Creative Consultant RAYMUND RAVANERA Creative Lead JERICO LUTRANIA Creative Staff CHINI YU SORIANO ADVERTISING Sales and Advertising Manager MARISA CONSUELOZ Account Executive CAROL AGABIN ADMINSTRATION President & CEO MARIBELLE ALBA Accounting Manager MARITESS MAULION HR & Administration Manager AMY CHRISTINE GIRAY Circulation Officer LORIE BERNARDO Administration Staff RAMIL ALMOJANO Legal Counsel ALBA LAW OFFICE

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph Follow us on Social Media

GADGETS Magazine is published monthly by

Digitally powered by

E-mail: info@gadgetsmagazine.com.ph All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. GADGETS Magazine is a registered trademark of Great Minds Media Inc.

Proud member of

2022v22n10 Social Entertainment

Articles inside

GadgetsLab - LENOVO YOGA 9i

Business Surveillance Made Easy

Goodbye Windows, Hello Mac!

How I DIY-ed My Music

TIKTOK: The Next Big Thing Since Instagram

PRESS PLAY: The Rise of Podcasts

How The Net Took Over TV